how much to feed mini bernedoodle puppy
We love these playful, intelligent, yet even-keeled dogs who are known to make wonderful family pets. So, great choice! Your next step will be to choose the right place to acquire the new addition to your family. Where to buy a Goldendoodle puppy? The most popular ways to get a Goldendoodle puppy are through a breeder or an adoption organization. However, even within those two choices, there are multiple ways to approach finding your new furry friend. Breeders Families who are looking to bring a puppy into their home usually utilize a breeder. The pedigree and temperament of its parents, its family history of illness, and other facts can help you understand and care for your new pet well. However, not all breeders are equal. There are a few different types, and there can be good and bad apples in each. Certified Breeders Two super small brown or chocolate Goldendoodles If you are looking to purchase from a breeder, then a certified breeder is often a great place to look. Because certified dog breeders must participate in audits for Canine Care Certification and take courses on best practices, certified breeders are generally a safe place to purchase a healthy and humanely bred pup. We would recommend choosing a trustworthy and certified breeder to ensure that you have a great experience. Especially for those choosing to buy a Goldendoodle pup as first-time pet parents, there are several essential things to consider about a breeder before making your decision. Consider these questions and more when making your final choice of certified breeder. See our detailed breakdown of how much a Goldendoodle costs over the first year. While an amateur breeder may offer added convenience, you will have to be much more vigilant in vetting them for yourself. In a best-case scenario, the perfect amateur breeder would be an already-close family friend or neighbor whose practices you are well-familiar with and who you know can be trusted. These sorts of encounters can often be a scam , leaving you out several hundred dollars with nothing to show for it. Of course, not all Facebook advertising breeders are looking to trap you. Adoption Unfortunately, there are so many unwanted and discarded dogs who need a second chance at a loving family. Fortunately, this is where you can come in! We recommend continuously checking shelters and adoption organizations before deciding to utilize a breeder. This is a valid desire for families with children or with plenty of extra time to spend raising a dog. However, puppies are often available to adopt if you look in the right places! Local Humane Societies and Shelters Regardless of where you live, you likely have a Humane Society or shelter in your local area. If you are close enough, you can visit to see what kind of dogs are available. Shelters are also very meticulous about health standards, so you can be sure that your new friend is vaccinated when adopting. Pets are also often microchipped and spayed or neutered if not already. As an added plus, adoption is often far less expensive than purchasing from a breeder. If you are open to adopting an adult dog, shelters are a perfect place to begin your search. You can never be certain of what kind of dogs will be abandoned or given up at no fault of their own. Designer dogs, like puppies, are in high demand and move through shelters quickly. See the best Goldendoodle rescues in North America A Mini Goldendoodle sitting on a park bench However, many breed-specific rescue groups can make your search for where to buy a Goldendoodle much easier! These groups specialize in re-homing specific breeds. Because of this, they are often run by breed enthusiasts who are knowledgeable and experienced at not only working with Goldendoodles but helping you find one with the right temperament to fit your family. Another bonus is that many breed-specific rescue groups, because of their specificity, employ a vast network of volunteers to make transportation easier. If you are not in the vicinity of the rescue itself, transportation options are often available. Most other countries have Poodle mix rescues. Make sure to ask upfront or research transport, specifically if the rescue is not in your local area. Even if you are willing to travel to collect your new furry friend, some rescues might have rules about the radius in which they are willing to adopt out. There are also website databases designed to help you search across multiple rescues and shelters for precisely the kind of dog you want. This is the perfect resource if you feel overwhelmed at the prospect of searching out a specific rescue. You will always have the issue of not knowing the parent dogs, so there is risk of temperament issues, or hereditary health problems like hip dysplasia. But you are saving a life and most resuces are fanatical about protecting and ensuring a healthy puppy. Goldendoodles will require regular grooming and upkeep. Final Thoughts Adding a Goldendoodle to your family is a great choice that you are sure to be happy with for years to come! When deciding where to buy a Goldendoodle , always check your local shelters and rescues first. There are so many dogs waiting for a second chance at a fur-ever home who can bring you a lifetime of joy and fulfillment. If you decide to go with a breeder, make sure to vet them and examine their credentials thoroughly. We recommend never purchasing from a pet store or a puppy mill, even though these may sometimes masquerade as backyard breeders. Doing your pet owner homework beforehand, whether you choose to adopt or buy, will ensure that you end up with a happy, well-adjusted Goldendoodle who will be a perfect fit for your family. My wife and I love playing with our active miniature Labradoodle Max. We want all Oodle puppies to be healthy and happy, have lots of fun and be part of the family. Load More. Read hundreds of reviews on Google and Facebook Sandy Peters and her family are a truly unique and amazing experience.We have had a fabulous experience choosing a puppy from Sandy. We were looking for a family dog but also, as a physical therapist, I really wanted a dog with a therapy dog temperament. She does an outstanding job breeding and nurturing these puppies!! The early neurological stimulation and service dog protocols make a huge difference for these pups. Her attention to detail and her patience with me were above and beyond. An amazing experience from start to finish.Working with Sandy and her family has been an amazing experience from start to finish. She is so responsive, knowledgeable and accessible. We got to be a part of the entire process and felt we really knew our pup before we even met her. I learned so many tips watching the live stream videos, was provided a puppy schedule and product recommendations, and any questions I had were quickly answered. I know for a fact very few breeders are as thorough and experienced as Sandy. I literally cannot find accurate words to describe how amazing Sandy.I literally cannot find accurate words to describe how amazing Sandy, her family, and her puppies are. We brought our beautiful Scarlett home today and she is relaxed, has eaten, toileted and slept like a champ. Sandy breeds these puppies with integrity, decades of obvious experience, kindness and a true love for what she does. There were 25 puppies to choose from and it was hard to choose because all of them had amazing personalities and temperaments. The fact that Scarlett came home crate trained was an unbelievable bonus for us and hard to find with breeders! If you are considering purchasing a Goldendoodle and are concerned about finding a top of the line breeder, your search is over. Put your deposit down today! Featured photos. Standard Goldendoodles can weigh anywhere between 50 and 90 pounds. Personality The place where the Goldendoodle puppy really excels is its personality. Its breed is known for being simultaneously intelligent and adoring. A Goldendoodle puppy is very sociable, which makes them perfect animals for households with children and other animals or pets, even cats. Just like the Labradoodle, this breed requires correct socialization to ensure they get used to different sights, sounds and smells during puppyhood. This means taking your Goldendoodle to plenty of doggy-friendly parks so they can meet canine friends and introducing them to other people. Our Goldendoodle puppies for sale are fully trained Doodles, so you can focus on the fun bits, like bonding, eating food and playing. These dogs prefer to live in a house with a gated backyard where they can get regular exercise breaks. Do They Like to Play? Goldendoodle Puppy Training These clever dogs are perfect for first-time dog owners because Goldendoodles love to please and take great pride in learning new skills. Are Goldendoodles Intelligent? Both of its poodle and golden retriever parent breeds are known for their intelligence and trainability, and Goldendoodles have inherited this breed trait. This means the person training a Goldendoodle needs to be strong-willed, firm and consistent — but never harsh or aggressive. Much like a poodle, Doodles are sensitive dogs, and positive reinforcement is a must to bring out the best in them. How Obedient Are They? Goldendoodle pups adore human company, and making their pet parents happy brings them genuine satisfaction. As such, correct puppy training produces a highly obedient and loyal adult Goldendoodle. Older adults, people with disabilities and individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders can benefit significantly from the warmth and sweetness of these adorable Goldendoodle pups. Are They Easy to Train? Doodle puppies can be mischievous and cheeky, but aggression is practically unheard of. So as long as you treat them with the same gentle respect they offer, a Goldendoodle is one of the easiest dog breeds to train. Goldendoodles have loads of energy and require regular exercise to maintain a healthy weight and calm temperament. A Goldendoodle need a moderately high level of outdoor activity — usually a minimum of 30 minutes, but ideally one hour, of moderate to vigorous exercise per day will keep Goldendoodle puppies at their best. Unlike puppy mills, all good puppy and dog breeders provide a certificate that shows health clearances. At Pride and Prejudoodles, our tests cover common health conditions. As such, you have peace of mind when purchasing your new puppy from us. How Long Do Goldendoodles Live? Goldendoodles live for between 10 and 15 years. We hope you found our guide informative. Please contact us with any other questions you have about our Goldendoodle puppies for adoption.
Should an American Bulldog Mix take after their American Bulldog parent, they will be a large and lovable dog that is affectionate to their families. American Bulldogs tend to have a gentle nature, a sweet disposition, and a fun-loving, playful personality and you can expect something similar in an American Bulldog Mix. American Bulldogs are known for being absolute sweethearts and quintessential family dogs. They tend to love children and get along well with other dogs in the household. They also thrive on affection, bond strongly with their owners, and absolutely adore spending time with their families. Since they can be initially wary of strangers and can have a high prey drive, socialization early and often is important. You should be able to expect something similar in an American Bulldog Mix. Talking to the breeder about the other parent breed in the mix and meeting the mother dog can give you a better idea of what temperament to expect in an American Bulldog Mix. The American Bulldog is a moderately adaptable dog breed. The other parent breed may affect this for an American Bulldog Mix, but you still want to be prepared for a moderately adaptable dog in case they take after their American Bulldog parent. Apartment living could be an option, but you would need to dedicate a lot of time daily to making sure they get the attention and exercise they need to be happy. A mixed-breed dog can inherit the potential health conditions of one, both, or neither of the parent breeds. From the American Bulldog side, potential health conditions include eye-related issues, thyroid disorders, hip dysplasia, kidney issues, bone cancer, and elbow dysplasia. Knowing more about the other parent breed can give you a better idea of what to be aware of in an American Bulldog Mix. Reputable breeders will screen their stock to avoid passing issues to puppies, so make sure you ask about the genetic and health history of both of the parent breeds. Because they are highly intelligent and eager to please their owners, American Bulldogs are highly trainable dogs that are a good fit for owners of all experience levels. But, the other parent breed could affect the trainability of an American Bulldog Mix, so you still want to ask the breeder about them. An American Bulldog Mix can inherit a coat similar to one parent breed or one that is a blend of both. But, the other parent breed could affect how much grooming your American Bulldog Mix needs. Also, practicing good dental care for dogs can help prevent dental diseases like gum disease, tooth decay, and tooth loss later in life. Brushing teeth or using an enzyme toothpaste every day is ideal. American Bulldogs are high-energy dogs that are athletic and strong. They need daily walks plus some playtime and extra activity. The other parent breed could affect how much exercise your American Bulldog Mix needs to be happy and healthy, but you will still want to be prepared to handle a high-energy dog. Fully-grown American Bulldogs tend to stand inches tall and weigh pounds. The other parent breed could have a big effect on the size of your American Bulldog Mix. By talking to the breeder about the other parent breed and meeting the mother dog, you can get a better idea of what size to expect as your American Bulldog Mix puppy grows. American Bulldogs tend to live for years. Although the other parent breed could affect this slightly, you should be able to expect a similar life span in an American Bulldog Mix. Featured American Bulldog Mix Article. Due to its huge size, the Pitbull Bulldog is NOT well-suited for apartment life and would better suit life on a farm or, at the very least, a home with a large, fenced-in yard where the dog can roam around. The coat of the American Bulldog Pitbull mix Although the coat of the American Bulldog Pitbull mix is short, fine, and slick, this breed is not hypoallergenic and thus would not be well suited to people with allergies. The type of Pitbull, be it a blue-nosed or red-nosed, will affect the look and color of a Bullypit pup. Based on its parents, the American Bulldog Pitbull mix puppy can come in a variety of colors such as black, tan, red, yellow, grey, golden, cream, and white. American Bulldog Red Nose Pitbull mix The American Bulldog Pitbull is an extremely protective dog but will exhibit a cheerful personality if socialized and trained when still a puppy. Training a Bullypit puppy can start as early as eight weeks old. Doing so will make this fido develop good behavior. Be prepared for tricky or challenging training sessions. Due to their dominant, impatient characteristics, they will require a firm hand and a committed owner. It is ideal to have some experience when dealing with this breed because if this is your first time owning a dog, the Bullypit may notice it. American Bulldog Pitbull mixes can also be wary with strangers and other dogs. With that said, they may have a tendency towards aggression, particularly with smaller pets. Like with every good watchdog, Bullypits like to bark and will fit the job. If taught and handled correctly, you can expect an extremely sweet fur buddy from this breed. You can check out how smart an American Pitbull is in this video, where one is being trained to sit, leave, and fetch: Caring for an American Bulldog Pitbull Mix A few things to keep in mind when it comes to owning this breed — because of their thin coat, this crossbreed does not fare well in climates that are too warm or cold. Their single layer of fur does not offer much protection and even means that the Bulldog Pitbull is susceptible to sunburn and needs to use sunscreen! How much exercise does this fido need? This hybrid is fairly active, and at least 90 minutes of exercise daily. Being on the move will help this doggo stay well-behaved and entertained. That is why we recommend them to active families who enjoy spending time outdoors and taking their canine friend on runs, jogs, and hikes. Only visit the doggy park if your Bullypit is trained and socialized. It will help prevent gastric torsion, which is a common but severe condition in large breeds. This crossbreed will benefit significantly from high-quality dry dog food with low-grain content as grain can cause allergies. It should also be high in meat and Omega 3 fatty acids to develop strong bones and sustain muscle mass. If you have the time and budget to feed your canine pal raw food, that would be great, too! Just like Benzo with this hearty meal. Just make sure that the food you provide your dog is based on his age, size, activity level, and health. Easy-breezy grooming The grooming needs of the American Bulldog Pitbull mix are low to moderate. Brushing is only needed about twice a week — except in seasons of high shedding where daily brushing is required. Give him a bath only when necessary, like when he gets dirty or stinky. Wiping the Bulldog Pitbull mix with a damp washcloth will be enough to clean him and remove any loose hairs. Its teeth should be brushed two or three times a week, while nails should be clipped when they get too long or notice them clacking against the floor. Ears can also be checked and wiped clean weekly. Are Bullypits healthy? The hardy mixed breed of an American Bulldog and Pitbull results in a cross that can have a general lifespan of 10 to 13 years. Still, hybrids can inherit some of the health problems that their purebred parents are prone to. The English counterpart of the American Bulldog is known for several illnesses such as hip dysplasia, which is common in short-legged dogs. Focus on maintaining an exercise regime and supplemented diet that will help to prevent this in your Bullypit. Due to their short nose, your puppy may also develop Brachycephaly Airway Obstructive Syndrome , which can cause serious respiratory complications. The one-layer coat of the Pitbull parent also makes this breed susceptible to allergies. Other common ailments that may affect the American Bulldog Pitbull mix are hypothyroidism , heart disease, eye problems, and reverse sneezing. Thanks to technology, you can find available pups online! You will also need to take into account the average annual expenses, and the usual medical bills. American Bulldog Pitbull mix breeders When looking for your perfect Bullypit puppy, a lot of thought and care should go into trying to find a good breeder. Irresponsible breeding of the American Pitbull and American Bulldog can result in an aggressive dog. You may also check social media accounts where you may find American Bulldog Pitbull mix puppies for sale. There are also marketplaces that offer Pitbull mixes and American Bully mixes. Greenfield Puppies Lancaster Puppies Rescuing a PitbullBulldog Due to the nature of this breed, you can often find the American Bulldog Pitbull mix at shelters that you can adopt or rehome. Depending on its past, the rescue of this crossbreed may need a lot of time and dedication in terms of training, resocialization, and exercise. Some rescue organizations do train dogs that stay with them, so this is something you can ask the shelter. This breed, while not the ideal pet for everyone, shows strict loyalty to its favorite people. The protective, strong, and energetic nature of the Bullypit makes them best suited for active and experienced dog owners who are willing to invest the time training, exercising, and socializing their dog. What can you say about this designer dog? Do you have an American Bulldog Pitbull mix? Share your story with us by commenting below! It is unjust to categorize dogs based on their breed as the American Bulldog Pitbull combination demonstrates. This lovely, devoted dog breed sadly inherited the bad rap of its parent breeds. There are four types of Pitbulls — all of them having one thing in common: being great family pets. Known for being devoted and protective, the American Bulldog Pitbull Mix is a strong and athletic dog breed. He makes a fantastic family pet and develops close relationships with kids. He is also smart and simple to work with. Anyone who needs a devoted dog that can guard their property and residence from threats may consider an American Bulldog Pit Mix. This hybrid breed combines the greatest qualities of the two American breeds… the American Pitbull and the American Bulldog. What is an American Bulldog and Pitbull mix called? Like any other dog breed, the American Bulldog Pitbull hybrid does have a few nicknames of its own. Just as Golden Retrievers are also often called Goldies, and all Poodle mixes are called Doodles, our favorite American Bulldog Pitbull mix has its own nickname. They are, as a dog breed, not much older than 25 to 30 years. All of the interesting hybrid dog breeds that you have the opportunity to see nowadays are actually no more than 30 years old as a breed. We, therefore, must look more thoroughly at each of the purebred progenitors in order to gain a better understanding of the mixed breed, and also to determine what to anticipate in terms of looks and temperament. Before the practice was outlawed in , the English progenitors of these pups were reared to entice bulls and bears. But, despite the ban, the breeding of these dogs for dogfighting continued; therefore, they were still doomed. The Bulldog was the best candidate for the task because they were prodded to be violent. Due to their tenacious and loyal nature, these dogs were eventually brought to America by immigrants and used for tasks like home guarding and field hunting of wild animals. The American Bulldog is a robust, stocky dog that can jump up to six feet in the air, thanks to its excellent athleticism. They often stand between 20 and 28 inches 50 to 70 cm tall, and weigh between 60 and lbs 27 to 54 kg. The American Bulldog breed is large, robust, and powerful, and it has a broad chest. It is sometimes referred to as the Bully as well as the classic version. The Scott type has a longer, sleeker build, and it is more athletic. It is sometimes referred to as the Standard or Performance. The American Bulldog as well as the English Bulldog can also be seen in hybrid form. In more recent times, this breed has also been used in dogfighting and bull and bear baiting. Since this purebred seems to have a history of aggression, possessing one was prohibited in many countries, including the United States. In an effort to dissociate the breed from its history of fighting, the American Kennel Club managed to give the dog this name in the s. Since this Pittie is not recognized as a separate breed by the AKC, the Staffordshire Terrier is a smaller dog; thus, most people consider the two canines to be different from one another. These large, powerful dogs weigh from 30 to 85 pounds, and their shoulder height ranges from 17 to 19 inches. Their mouth is large and muscular, and they have tiny ears and a pointy tail in addition to their large, flat skull. There are many Pitbull colors , although they exist in various colors as well. The American Bulldog red-nose Pitbull mix as well as the blue-nose Pitbulls represent the most widespread coloring for their sleek, shiny coat colors. Contrary to what its name suggests, the red-nosed Pitbull has copper-colored fur and a pinkish nose, while the blue-nosed Pitbull does indeed have a blue or gray colored coat. A Bulldog and Pitbull mix typically features a huge head and mouth, enormous feet in proportion to a muscular physique, and a smooth and shiny coat. Similar to this, some have large breasts and a strong back. Owners have also remarked on its goofy lips and harsh smile, which gives the impression that it is grinning directly at them something like this! An advantage of a mixed breed between an American Bulldog and a Pitbull Terrier is that no matter which parent they inherited more of their looks from, they all seem quite similar. Because of this regularity, it is simpler to forecast what your American Bulldog Pitbull mix pups will look like as adults. A medium-sized dog with short, smooth fur that is a mix of a Bulldog and an American Pitbull is called a hybrid. Typically, they are muscular, with a square head, strong jaws, and a robust body. The American Bulldog Pitbull hybrid usually has white and chocolate, black, or brindle markings, though there are exceptions to the rule. Therefore, having these famous parent breeds makes the American Bulldog Pitbull mix a medium- to large-sized dog breed. Of course, male and female dogs differ from one another. They differ in personality, maintenance needs, as well as size and proportions. The American Bulldog Pitbull mix is not an exception to this rule. Male dogs are naturally a bit larger than female dogs. Their height may range from 20 to 26 inches at the shoulder area, and they may be anywhere from 50 to pounds heavy; however, there have been some canines of this breed which became even bigger than that. When it comes to female dogs, they are a bit smaller than males. You could easily spot that difference if you put them side by side. The females are characterized as more of a medium-sized dog, being 19 to 23 inches tall, and being anywhere from 43 up to 75 pounds heavy. They will grow to be a medium to a large-sized dog breed, which will certainly make your life happier. When they are 10 to 15 months old, BullyPits are officially considered mature. They will be the happiest on a farm, in a fenced yard, or in a big living space. Coat Colors Despite having a short, fine, and smooth coat, the American Bulldog Pitbull hybrid is not considered a hypoallergenic dog breed. These dogs do shed a little bit and produce dander; therefore, they are not for people who suffer from allergies. The American Bulldog Pitbull mix puppy can be any of a number of colors, including black, brown, red, yellow, grayish blue, gold, caramel, or white, depending on the parents. Any dog lover or owner looking to add to their household will be captivated by their undeniable eagerness and energy. The puppy retains a good physique and powerful features while receiving the greatest traits from both parents. The American Bulldog Pitbull mix is a ferociously protective dog, but with the right training and socialization as a puppy, it may become a well-rounded dog. Thanks to their personality traits, this dog breed is one of the best larger-sized guard dogs. Puppy training for BullyPits can begin as early as two months old. This will motivate the dog to develop good behaviors. Prepare yourself for challenging training sessions. Because of their anarchic personality, they will require a firm hand. BullyPits enjoy barking, and are excellent watchdogs and guard dogs. If properly raised and taught, this breed might make a wonderful pet. They are also intelligent canines that enjoy playing and getting petted. Put aside the bad rap of the Pitbull parent and let this dog be your best friend. You will undoubtedly enjoy moderate exercise side-by-side with it. Pet lovers all around the world say that this is an extremely devoted and affectionate dog breed. The American Bulldog Pit Mix seems to be the best choice for anyone looking for a devoted dog that can guard their property and house against invaders. Pitbull Bulldog hybrids enjoy spending time with kids because of their vivacious, fun attitude, especially ones they grow up with. The Bulldog Pitbull combination is one of the greatest dog breeds for children , just the same as the American Pit Bull Terrier. A well-raised BullyPit will do anything for its family. Not just because of the hierarchy, but because they have a big heart — these dogs will be quick to defend you with their own life. They are extremely loyal to their owner and their family. Just as the American Bully has these predispositions highlighted, so does the BullyPit. The American Bulldog Pitbull mix is not just an average family dog, but an excellent one that will fill the heart of its owners with pure love and affection. Medical records of these dogs must be disclosed by the breeders. You can get a duplicate of the background details for each purebred dog as well as the genetic analysis of the hybrid child for your own reference. The American Bulldog Pitbull mix is considered as being a dog breed that does not have a bunch of health issues. However, hybrids can receive some of the health issues to which their purebred parents could be predisposed to. Maintaining an exercise routine and a fortified diet will help stop this in your BullyPit, so put your attention there. There are a few possible health conditions that these dogs may face during their lifetime; therefore, we will go through them Dog-ether! Two strategies to prevent these conditions are routine cloth wiping and limiting foods that contain allergens and are grittier. The most prevalent skin problems, a. Even if they seem to be very mild, any skin issue your dog has should be closely monitored. Heart Diseases There is a history of congenital heart disease as well as other heart issues in all bull breeds. There is no sure-fire way to stop this besides early detection and treatment. Heart problems can be of different causes. Breed, nutrition, obesity, and aging are all potential risk factors. The most frequent ailment in small-breed dogs is heart valve disease, which often affects dogs five years of age or older. Since 95 percent of canine cardiac issues develop as they age, treating them as soon as they appear is easier. Hip Dysplasia The later years of this crossbreed are plagued by hip dysplasia, a common ailment in short-legged dogs. Putting a lot of effort in exercise and diet will help prevent this unpleasant joint displacement. Hip dysplasia has been treated by using a variety of techniques, including acupuncture, class 4 laser therapy, stem cell therapies, and traditional Chinese medicine. Ask your vet for advice on supplementary medical procedures that might benefit your dog as well as about their own experiences with this condition. Aside from giving them your time and affection, the American Bulldog Pitbull mix does not need much more than that. They are the definition of a low-maintenance dog breed. High-quality dry dog food, some brushing, occasional nail cutting and bathing, regular vet checks, and lots of cuddles will do it for this dog breed. However, more details about maintaining this dog breed perfectly are listed below! How To Feed The BullyPit Given that it is extremely engaging and on the go, the American Bulldog Pitbull mix has to eat a moderate amount of 2 to 4 cups of dry dog food nearly everyday. Once you have determined the meal amounts, separate those into at least two portions that are equally sized. Protein and meaty dog food is what you should feed your American Bulldog Pitbull mix to keep a closer eye on its nutrition. This is done to stop your dog from gaining weight, which could cause difficulties from hip dysplasia. As with the right mineral and vitamin balance, the vet must be consulted. Depending on their recommendations, you should add these supplements to their diet or take them as directed by the vet. Choose the greatest dry dog food options available rather than the poorest ones if you want to maintain your dog in top condition. High quality junior dry dog food will offer your mixed breed puppy all the nutritional advantages it needs to thrive, while these top puppy packaged foods will aid in the development of your mixed breed puppy. No matter what size your Pitbull Bulldog is, their radically different parents have taste palates that are equally polar opposites. No more than 2 to 3 times a week should you use a gentle bristle brush. When this occurs, daily brushing of their coat and hair is advised. Use a damp washcloth to clean the dog from time to time. By using this technique, you can keep surfaces clean and remove any loose fur from them. Frequently brush their teeth because it is important not just for good oral hygiene, but also to prevent bothersome dental conditions. The focus of attention must be on their ears. Check their ears frequently for itchiness, wax buildup, skin problems, and unpleasant things like ear mites. Their nails need to be cut in order to prevent them from scratching and clawing your possessions. However, pruning should be done carefully and precisely in order to prevent complications and disease. American Bulldog Pitbull mix puppies could behave improperly around other dogs and people if not trained young. They might, however, be hostile toward smaller pets in particular. The Pitbull Bulldog combination may have an intimidating and unyielding appearance and seem challenging to train, but this is not the case. Under the right conditions, the crossbreed is rather simple to train. It is important to familiarize this dog breed with various types of surroundings, including other small animals and small dogs, together with children and adults of all ages, so they can be the best dogs in any kind of situation you find yourself in. They have high activity levels , together with high energy levels, which makes this dog tireless. You have to put a considerable amount into training, socializing, and exercise. Training the Pitbull Bulldog cross should be done by using a positive reinforcement method. If this tactic is not used, the dog will be less compliant and more likely to get bored and unenthusiastic. The treats provided should be utilized as workout snacks rather than as a replacement for food. Start by following the most basic instructions — such as to sit or lie down — and gradually build up to the trickier ones. Practice, and teach the hybrid offspring very carefully and with attention. Exercise Requirements Like any active dog breed, the American Bulldog Pitbull requires movement, exercise, and stimulation of the bones and muscles. It is essential that the owner is equally involved. Lack of exposure to these activities may cause the crossbreed to get agitated and impatient, chewing furniture or scratching the floor tiles. Other less strenuous hobbies, including strolling about the neighborhood, are advised for those who are less active. It is encouraged to engage in high-intensity sports including jogging, sprinting, running, and retrieving. The agility of this dog is almost unmatched; thus, teaching this to the crossbreed would be beneficial. Include obstacles that you can leap over while running to maintain the pace. Also, if you have done all of these activities and your dog still is not tired, you can always try interactive dog toys! You may employ the American Bulldog Pitbull Mix in a variety of working canine positions, thanks to its strength, wit, trainability, and bravery. This dog could work in search and rescue, police enforcement , drug detecting, as well as competing in strength and agility competitions, among other professions. They are excellent watchdogs and guards that can expertly handle threats or intruders. To discover American Bulldog Pitbull mix puppies, you might try looking online for breeders who market purebred as well as hybrid Bully dogs. You must also take into account and understand that along with any great qualities, there are those that are less attractive, but this should not prevent you from making plans to get one. In contrast to crossbreed BullyPit puppies, purebred breeds are less healthy, although the majority of their most serious illnesses and medical issues are passed on to the crossbreed offspring. One preventative action that is properly advised to clients and customers in order to ensure that disease inheritance is kept to a minimum, if not appropriately prevented, is to be watchful and careful while selecting Bulldog Pitbull mixed pooches. One helpful suggestion is to refrain from purchasing a crossbreed puppy from a major pet retailer or internet pet retailer unless you are very certain that they follow moral breeding practices. As a result, it is advised that you purchase from trustworthy, small-scale, local dog breeders who permit their customers to view the medical histories of the parents of their puppies as well as information about their kennel facilities. Breeders who are open and honest about their practices are respected and renowned. It is imperative that you determine whether the reproductive facility is secure and has adequate room for the dogs to wander around and enjoy themselves. Final Word Despite the fact that the American Bulldog Pitbull mix is not appropriate for everyone, owners may count on its tremendous loyalty. We advise that you put aside its undeserving bad rap and see for yourself that these dogs are nothing but lovely sweethearts. Because of their defensive, strong, and vivacious nature, BullyPits are best suited for experienced not for first-time dog owners who really are willing to put in the work to coach, exercise, and socialize this dog. With proper socialization and training , it can be your perfect best friend. Children enjoy playing with Pitbull Bulldog mixes since this dog breed has unlimited patience with kids. They are great family dogs since they will guard your home and your family with their life, and will show unlimited loyalty and affection. That regular maintenance includes yearly vet checks, quality dog food and supplements, and keeping them clean and in good shape. You should socialize this dog breed with other smaller animals as well as other kinds of animals cats, hamsters, horses , and of course, people of all ages. By doing so, you will have a doggy with a well-rounded personality that can behave well in any type of scenario. In addition, it does not shed like most crossbreeds do, marking for less maintenance and grooming required. Dog owners, especially the new ones, are expected to know more than just the essential traits and appearance of the pups they are choosing. It is likewise crucial for them to consider and recognize that with all excellent characteristics come to not-so-pretty ones, and that should not be a hindrance for them in planning to get one. Purebreds, unlike their crossbreed offspring, are not as healthy, but their crossbreed pups do inherit most of their most potent diseases and medical complications. One precautionary measure duly advised to clients and customers to make sure that disease-inheritance is taken to a minimum, if not appropriately avoided, is to be vigilant and careful in choosing Bulldog Pitbull Mix puppies that are for sale. This is crucial since it ensures that the buyer is making the right and just circumstances that are presented before them. In the bigger picture, the penultimate reason for avoiding such a purchase is that often these companies and pet stores conduct large-scale breeding of dogs. It is a method that is indeed far from being animal-friendly and ethical. In this practice, the health of the parent dog is not duly considered for the offspring. In other words, they breed dogs as they so please without taking health, food, and safety much into consideration. A respectable and reputable breeder is one who is transparent about their methods. It is crucial for you to check if the breeding facility is safe and spacious enough for the animals to roam around and have fun. You can ask them for a copy of the background data of each purebred parent and genetic mapping of the crossbreed offspring for reference. Here are some online sites to get you started on your pup search: Angel Heart Kennel LLC Across the state, you can only fin local breeders and animal shelters. Most likely, in one of these shelters, one might find a Pitbull Bulldog Mix looking for a lovely new home. Try opening www. As such, it is no wonder that the smooth and shiny coat of the Pitbull combined with Bulldog does not shed profusely and does not require high maintenance. Use a soft bristle brush at least once or twice a week, but no more than four days. However, during shedding season, the fur of the Bulldog crossed with Pitbull does shed quite often. When this occurs, it is recommended to brush their hair and coat daily. Instead, one can use a damp washcloth to wipe the dog every now and then. This method can help get rid of some loose fur and keep them clean. The full bath should be given only once a month since their coat needs all the natural oils on the skin. In any case, whether patting them down or bathing, the following vital areas need focus: Foot pads and paws Tail and the region around the anus Eye region, especially the eyelids As a common practice among grooming dogs, teeth brushing is required not only for good oral hygiene but especially for the prevention of irksome dental complications. Regularly check the ears for redness, wax buildup, and nasty ear mites. Note, however, that when trimming, one must practice care and accuracy to avoid complication and infection. The English Bulldog, having a life span of years, has many health concerns than most purebreds. Other dilemmas include hip dysplasia, screw tail, cherry eye, among others. The English Pitbull Terrier is the healthier dog parent in comparison. Also facing possible hip dysplasia concerns, this purebred is known to experience allergies, mange, and skin infections. As such, in an overview of things, the Bulldog mixed with Pitbull requires much medical attention and involves a ton of payment for vet bills. Depending on the favored parent, there is no telling if the crossbreed would face many or fewer complications. Prone to allergies, the Pitbull combined with Bulldog borrows its skin complication from the Pitbull parent. Prevention of these diseases means regular washcloth wiping and avoidance of typical allergen-containing and grainy food. Hip Dysplasia. A significant focus on diet and exercise is enough to help prevent this painful joint displacement. Heart disease. Any bull breed is known to face heart complications such as congenital heart disease among others. There is no sure fire way to prevent it other than early detection and treatment. Once found, divide the meal portions into at least two meals per day with equal serving. You can also incorporate giving of treats and scheduled feedings that and intertwined with free feeding at least once per week to keep things new for the pup. This is to ensure that your dog does not grow into being obese, which raises complication for hip dysplasia. Likewise, the right mix of minerals and vitamins must be consulted with the veterinarian. Depending on their recommendation, incorporate the intake of these supplements either to the food or medicine administration intermittently. For the Bulldog combined with Pitbull, owners should focus on purchasing dog food rich in chronodotin or glucosamine. These nutrients are crucial in preventing hip dysplasia complications. Luckily, the market is filled with high-quality dog food that one can easily find. You can even ask your local pet store or dog food provider for products with these specifications. Brown, black, white, or mix of these colors Suitable for: Active families with experience training dogs Temperament: Loyal, overprotective, intelligent These dogs make great pets for active families who know how to train a wild dog and are looking for a scary dog that acts like a dove. Dogs that are harder to train will require a bit more patience and practice. Proper exercise, nutrition, and hygiene also play an important role in the lifespan of your pet. More social dogs have a tendency to run up to strangers for pets and scratches, while less social dogs shy away and are more cautious, even potentially aggressive. Training, socialization, and exercise are important to ensure the well-being of this breed, as with any dog. Taking care of a Pitbull Bulldog mix requires a lot of time, patience, and effort, but can be a rewarding experience. To ensure the well-being of this breed, exercise is crucial, including daily walks, playtime and training. Training should start early and be consistent, as this breed can be stubborn and requires patience and positive reinforcement techniques. Socialization is also important, as this breed is friendly and affectionate, but early socialization can prevent behavioral issues. Always make sure that the puppy you buy is bred only from a reputable breeder who has no intention of fighting the dogs. Are These Dogs Good for Families? So, Bully Pits are not a good breed if you have young children in your home. Even if your Bully Pit is well behaved, these dogs can play a bit rough, even if they are just having fun. Once again, this can be a very dangerous situation for young children even if the Bully Pit loves the child. As soon as your children get around the age of 10 or older, Bully Pits can make great additions to homes. Although these dogs look scary, they are incredibly affectionate and cuddly. They love having a big family that can shower them in attention. As long as all the family members know how to behave around this dog and treat it with respect, both the family and the dog will likely feel at peace in no time. Unfortunately, Bully Pits are not good with other animals. You might be able to get a pet that stays in a cage or a tank. For example, many Bully Pit owners have lizards or fish. However, do not get another dog or cat because the Bully Pit is likely to get very territorial over you and the home. A post shared by Frankie Quarantino frankie. Bully Pits require strict diet requirements, a lot of exercise, and medical attention. One of the best ways to prevent these illnesses from being a problem is to provide the dog a correct diet. Most Bully Pits will need between 2. No matter what dog food you select, make sure it is high-quality and includes a few ingredients like omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, chondroitin, and glucosamine. As your dog ages, you want to select a dog food that grows with it. Both Pitbulls and Bulldogs are active breeds. Every day, your Bully Pit should have around 90 minutes of exercise. If you do not fulfill this exercise requirement, your Bully Pit will likely become destructive out of boredom. Instead, you can opt for low-intensity walks and playing with toys inside the home. At the same time, active owners can always kick it up a bit by taking the dog on runs or playing fetch. It really depends on you since this dog is agile with some lazy streaks. Bully Pits are actually very intelligent animals that love their owners. That being said, Bully Pits that do not respect their owners are less likely to listen. You must be firm and consistent with your Bully Pit to demand attention. Once your Bully Pit views you as the alpha, training is actually very easy. If you are aggressive to Bully Pits, they will either lash out or cower away from you. Both situations are unwanted. Instead, use treats and praise to reinforce good behavior. Your Bully Pit will respond very quickly because they love pleasing their owners. This is likely a breath of fresh air after learning all the other high-maintenance aspects of this dog. At most, you should only need a damp washcloth to wipe down the dog whenever it gets dirty during play. Never give a Bully Pit a bath more than once a month unless it gets skunked or some other similar situation. Bulldogs can have some serious icky eyes, and that can be passed on to Bully Pits. Your Bully Pit may fight both grooming needs at first, but they cannot be ignored. Be gentle and allow your dog to smell both the clippers and toothbrush before touching their body with it. Bulldogs have several inheritable illnesses that Bully Pits are likely to take on. Luckily, Pitbulls are relatively healthy, causing Bully Pits to be more healthy than standard Bulldogs. If your Bully Pit favors the Bulldog parent, you should expect it to need more medical attention than a Bully Pit that favors its Pitbull parent. For Bully Pits that favor the Bulldog, it may have breathing issues and heart disease. You might also want to pay attention to its snout skin to make sure it is not infected. In contrast, Bully Pits that favor the Pitbull are more likely to have skin problems and allergies. No matter which dog your Bully Pit favors, hip dysplasia can be a serious issue. Hip dysplasia is an issue for both Pitbulls and Bulldogs. So, it is highly likely for a Bully Pit to experience this in their life. Minor Conditions. This coat often has a white patch on the belly. This base color can be anything from white to red to yellow. However, it usually accompanies black, brown, or tan spots or patches. American Bulldog Pitbull Mix black and white coat Black and white is a frequently occurring coat combination among Pitbulls and American Bulldogs. A black and white American Bulldog Pitbull Mix can be black on white or white on black. This color is often accompanied by white markings on the chest, feet, and muzzle. Sometimes, a Blue Pit Bulldog also has a blue nose. This canine has a pink or reddish nose instead of the regular black nose. The pup will also have a coat that matches its nose color. American Bulldog Pitbull Mix characteristics A properly trained American Bulldog Pitbull Mix with a firm owner is obedient, loyal, charming, and affectionate. They have a characteristic smile that would instantly melt your heart. They are super active, have a strong prey drive, and can be dangerous if not properly socialized. On the plus side, they are intelligent, good with children, and loyal. These canines are high-energy and need plenty of daily exercises. In addition, they have a strong prey drive which means you need to keep smaller pets away from them. Save Big On Dog Essentials! Welcome to our pack! Does American Bulldog Pitbull Mix get along with other pets? These canines can get too protective of their owners, which may lead them to harm other pets out of jealousy or to assert dominance. In some cases, if an American Bulldog Pitbull Mix puppy grows up with smaller pets from a young age and is then encouraged to spend time together as adults, they can become best friends. However, this mixed dog breed might take more time and effort than you can give. Does American Bulldog Pitbull Mix make great family pets? Both the American Bulldog and the Pitbull are known to be good with children. A well-raised American Bulldog Pitbull Mix is affectionate, gentle, and highly playful. However, their energy levels will dictate how well they behave around your children. They require plenty of daily activity to keep them from becoming destructive or hyperactive. American Bulldog Pitbull Mix working qualities You can use the strength, intelligence, trainability, and courage of the American Bulldog Pitbull Mix in many different working dog roles. Some possible working careers for this canine are search and rescue, law enforcement, narcotics detection, and participating in strength and obedience competitions. They excel as guards and watchdogs and can masterfully deal with intruders or danger. To make the most of the training, you need consistency, patience, and a firm hand. When trained in a steady but encouraging manner, these pups become quick learners who want nothing more than to please their owners. They are very versatile and can excel in obedience and agility training. American Bulldog Pitbull Mix exercise requirement The American Bulldog Pitbull Mix is a high-energy dog that needs plenty of moderate exercises to stay healthy and happy. Playing fetch, frisbee, and other interactive games will also help. Failing to provide enough exercise can result in destructive behavior. American Bulldog Pitbull Mix grooming and cleaning Fortunately, both the American Bulldog and the Pitbull have effortless grooming routines. However, a weekly brushing to remove loose hair will help keep their coats shiny. You can use a doggy wipe to clean the folds and the wrinkles as well as his paws and any areas that are dirty. Dental hygiene is also essential. Alternatively, you can give them dog bones to chew which also helps to get rid of plaque and tartar. Our canine friends will have a difficult time walking if their nails are too long. For a less stressful nail trimming session, try using a dog nail grinder that features a whisper-quiet motor and a precise diamond bit grinder. Is the American Bulldog Pitbull Mix hypoallergenic? No, the American Bulldog Pitbull Mix is not a hypoallergenic breed. They shed moderately and can produce a lot of dander, which can cause problems for people with allergies. They also drool a lot, so make sure you keep a towel at hand. American Bulldog Pitbull Mix food and diet This canine does best when fed multiple meals a day instead of just one large dinner. Never let your American Bulldog Pitbull Mix eat too much at once. Make sure the food is high-quality and nutritious, with 25 to 30 percent protein content. It should also carry essential micronutrients, fatty acids, and minerals to feed those large muscles. You may be interested in: Can Dogs Eat Scallops? American Bulldog Pitbull Mix common health issues Hybrid vigor is a trait in crossbreeds that makes them healthier and stronger than either of their parents. This is true with the American Bulldog Pitbull Mix, but they may still suffer from some health issues common to both breeds. If you would like to know what health issues your American Bulldog Pitbull Mix may be prone to, you can find out using a dog DNA test right from the comfort of your own home.
Breeds The link has been copied! Golden Retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world and for a good reason. They make wonderful family pets due to their friendly personalities, endless loyalty, and high intelligence. However, before bringing one into your home, it is essential to consider the costs associated with owning a Golden Retriever. In this article, we'll explore the question, "How much does a Golden Retriever cost? The overall price of a Golden Retriever can vary widely depending on a number of factors, such as the dog's age, lineage, and location. However, it is crucial to keep in mind that buying a puppy is just the beginning of the expenses associated with owning a Golden Retriever. In addition to the initial price, routine vet visits and vaccinations are necessary to keep your Golden Retriever healthy and prevent illnesses. These costs can add up quickly, especially in the first year of your dog's life when they require more frequent check-ups and vaccines. Your dog will typically require annual check-ups and routine vaccinations throughout their life. You can also choose to microchip your pet for additional security measures. Another ongoing expense associated with owning a Golden Retriever is grooming. While Golden Retrievers are relatively low-maintenance when it comes to grooming compared to some other breeds, they do require regular brushing and occasional baths. So, you will need to set aside adequate funds for this care. A Golden Retriever puppy cost can vary. The overall price will depend on whether you choose to purchase from a breeder or adopt from a rescue organization. However, it is essential to note that some breeders will charge more for puppies that have exceptional bloodlines or rare coat colors. If you choose to adopt a Golden Retriever puppy from a rescue organization, the adoption fee is usually much lower than the purchase price from a breeder. It is important to note that adoption fees will usually cover the cost of veterinary care, food, and shelter for the puppy while in the rescue organization's care. Often if you choose to adopt from a rescue or dog shelter, the pet will come into your family already spayed or neutered and up to date on all vaccinations. Color One of the most significant factors is the color of the puppy. Golden Retrievers typically come in shades of gold, but some may have a slightly darker or lighter coat, which can create variations in their price. For instance, puppies with lighter-colored coats may be more expensive than those with darker coats. Bloodline Puppies with a pedigree from a well-known champion bloodline are often more expensive than those without a proven lineage. This cost difference is because they are likely to have a superior appearance, temperament, and overall health characteristics. Often dogs from such lineage come with documentation and official paperwork to verify their background. A quality breeder who has invested time and resources in breeding and raising quality Golden Retrievers may charge a higher price for their puppies. This reason is that they are more likely to provide you with a healthy and well-socialized puppy. Estimated Size Finally, the estimated size of the puppy can impact the cost. Typically, male Golden Retrievers are larger than females, and puppies from larger litters may be smaller than those from smaller litters. Owing to that, puppies from a smaller litter may be more expensive as they tend to be in higher demand. Overall, it is essential to consider all of these factors when looking to purchase a Golden Retriever to ensure that you get the best value for your money. As we've discussed, the cost of purchasing and maintaining a Golden Retriever can quickly add up. However, investing in a GPS-tracking dog collar is one way to protect your investment in your furry friend. A GPS-tracking dog collar can help make sure that your Golden Retriever doesn't wander too far from home or get lost. This feature is especially important if you live in an area with a lot of traffic or wildlife, where your dog could be at risk of injury or getting into dangerous situations. A GPS tracking dog collar can help you quickly locate your dog if they do manage to escape, allowing you to bring them home safely and quickly. No doubt a GPS-tracking dog collar is an additional expense, but it can provide peace of mind and protection for your furry friend, making it a worthwhile investment for any Golden Retriever owner. It can give you the confidence to let your dog explore and play freely while still being able to keep an eye on their location and well-being. Incorporating the Fi GPS Tracking Dog Collar into your Golden Retriever's routine can help ensure their safety and security while enjoying all the joys of owning this beloved breed. The collar has a long battery life and is water-resistant, making it durable enough to withstand daily wear and tear. The collar also offers activity tracking, which can help you monitor your dog's exercise habits and ensure they are getting enough physical activity to stay healthy. Golden Retriever Breed Guide The Golden Retriever is a popular breed known for being friendly and having an affectionate personality. They are intelligent, eager to please, and have a gentle nature, making them excellent family pets. They are typically very patient with children and get along well with other animals, making them an ideal companion for families with kids or other pets. Golden Retrievers are considered to be a medium to large breed in terms of size and weight. Males typically weigh between 65 and 75 pounds and stand in inches between 23 to .Alternatively, females weigh between 55 pounds to 65 pounds and stand in inches between .Golden Retrievers have an average lifespan of 10 to 12 years, but with proper care, they can live up to 14 years. Golden Retrievers are an active breed. They frequently require multiple sessions of daily exercise to stay in peak shape. They enjoy many types of outdoor activities, including swimming, fetch, and hiking. These dogs make great companions for those who enjoy an active lifestyle. However, they can also adopt a more laid-back lifestyle if they don't receive regular exercise. The lifetime care costs of a Golden Retriever will often depend on factors such as their health, age, and lifestyle. Budgeting for these costs and planning accordingly to ensure that your furry friend receives the care they need throughout their lifetime is essential. There are several ways to reduce the cost of owning a Golden Retriever. One option is to adopt a dog from a local animal shelter or rescue organization. Adopting a dog can be significantly less expensive than buying a puppy from a breeder, and it also helps to reduce the number of dogs in shelters. Another way to save money is to consider adopting an older dog instead of a puppy. Older dogs may have already gone through the training process, which can save on the cost of obedience classes and training supplies. They may also be less demanding in terms of exercise and may already be house-trained, which can save on cleaning and flooring expenses. When buying a Golden Retriever puppy, it's crucial to find a breeder who will always prioritize the health and life quality of their dogs. A breeder should be able to provide you with health guarantees, documentation of the puppy's lineage, and proof of vaccinations and other necessary medical treatments. Moreover, it's also a good idea to visit the breeder's facility and meet the puppy's parents, if possible, to get a sense of the breeding environment and the temperament of the puppies. While it may be tempting to choose the cheapest option when buying a Golden Retriever, doing so can lead to additional expenses down the line if the puppy develops health problems that require expensive medical treatment. A reputable breeder may have higher upfront costs but is more likely to produce healthy puppies with fewer genetic health issues. This initial extra cost can ultimately save you money and heartache in the long run. By taking the time to research breeders and consider all options carefully, you can save on the initial cost of owning a Golden Retriever while still providing a loving home for a furry companion. Conclusion: The Cost of Owning a Golden Retriever In conclusion, owning a Golden Retriever can be a fulfilling experience, but it is crucial to consider the upfront and ongoing costs that are commonly associated with owning one. By understanding the factors that impact the price tag of a Golden Retriever and exploring ways to reduce those costs, you can ensure that you are providing the best care for your furry friend without breaking the bank. Lastly, you will want to consider how to protect your newest family member and the investment that comes with them. The Fi GPS Tracking Dog Collar is a cutting-edge style of technology that offers dog owners an extra layer of protection for their furry friends. The collar uses GPS technology to track your dog's location in real time and sends alerts to your phone if your dog leaves a designated safe zone. This feature can be beneficial in the event that your Golden Retriever ever goes missing or wanders off, giving you the ability to quickly and easily locate them. For more helpful articles about pet-parenting tips, check out the Off Leash blog at TryFi. Want to know more about TryFi. This is the fastest way to find your dog after an escape. Try the Fi Dog Collar today! The link has been copied! You might also like. Coat Trim Cost of Veterinary Expenses You can expect to pay for the vet each year so that your dog can remain up to date with their shots. An annual visit can also make sure your dog is healthy, but you may want to take your dog in more often if they get sick or have other problems. You can get pet insurance to help cover the cost of these vet expenses. A good breeder will provide you with not only a healthy, well-socialized puppy but also support and guidance as you navigate life with your new furry friend. But with so many breeders out there, how do you know who to choose? Look for a breeder who is registered with the American Kennel Club AKC or other reputable organizations and who has experience breeding golden retrievers. A reputable breeder will be happy to answer any questions you may have about the breed and will provide you with references from past clients. A good breeder will provide support and guidance as you adjust to life with your new pet. They should be available to answer questions, offer training advice, and help you navigate any challenges that arise. Look for a Breeder with Experience Experience matters when it comes to breeding golden retrievers. A breeder with years of experience will have a wealth of knowledge about the breed and will be able to provide you with valuable insights and advice. They will know how to breed for good temperament, health, and other important traits that make golden retrievers such beloved family pets. This includes information about any genetic diseases or health issues that may be present in the bloodline. By choosing a breeder who prioritizes health and genetics, you can help ensure that your new puppy is healthy and happy. Some breeders may insist that you participate in these events if you want to purchase a puppy from them, but this is not a requirement. Choose a breeder who respects your lifestyle and preferences and who is primarily concerned with finding a good home for their puppies. The right Golden Retriever breeder depends on you as a person, but any good breeder should be able to answer any questions. You may come across the perfect puppy online, but do not commit to any dog until you can visit in person. The dog may be totally different than in their photo. In some cases, you may find that the dog does not exist. Some scammers can take photos of other dogs and collect payment for the dog. But the scammer will disappear before the buyer realizes the dog is not theirs. To avoid these puppy sales scams, always visit the dog in person before you sign a contract or make a payment. Make sure the dog looks like the pictures and that they have the temperament that you want. If you are working with a breeder, be sure to check their credentials and ask for references. You can speak to other dog owners who have gone through the breeder. Finally, do not rush into getting a dog. Conclusion While Golden Retrievers can be moderately expensive to keep over the ten to twelve years that they generally live, there are many ways that people can reduce the cost of keeping them. One of the best ways to save money while raising a Golden Retriever is to get quality pet insurance. As long as their owners are prepared to offer them financial security in the form of good food, a few well-loved toys, and some regular veterinary care, Goldens repay the devotion a hundredfold in terms of loyalty and affection for their families. Check out our list of Golden Retriever Rescue Organizations , they are listed by state. She is board certified a specialist in canine reproduction. In her day job, she is a leader in a small biotech where she and a team of veterinarians and scientists work to develop new medications for pets. She enjoys sharing her knowledge of this wonderful breed of dogs. She and her husband have 2 children, 3 dogs and one cat. They love camping and hiking and she can often be found with her head in a good book. Recent Posts. One or both of this puppy's parents have undergone genetic testing. One or both of this puppy's parents are hip certified. One or both of this puppy's parents is OFA Heart certified. This puppy has had early neurological stimulation exercises. It is also important to understand there are different types of golden retrievers which may affect pricing. For example, if you decide to choose the lowest golden retriever cost option, those puppies almost never have the necessary 3rd-party assurances or veterinarian procedures like dewormings, vaccinations, health-tested parents, or a thorough health checkup. These missing costs and services will be your responsibility, making the total cost ultimately the same. Not to mention the added stress on you these extra expenses and issues create! Adopting vs. Please note that depending on the shelter, you may have to pay additional costs for your Golden certain shots and procedures. Depending on if the golden retriever is a boy or a girl may affect the price as well. Some male vs female golden retriever differences may make you prefer one over the other. This will ultimately save you time and money on your golden retriever price because breeders often pay lower veterinary rates than individuals do. Distemper, for example, is a highly contagious disease that attacks the gastrointestinal, respiratory, and nervous systems of dogs. Unfortunately, there is no cure — just a lot of expenses and stress which really adds to the overall cost of your Golden Retriever puppy. It is wise to ask your vet for guidance on this decision. Talk with your vet about the procedure, when you should get it done, and how much it might cost. Dental Care for Your Golden Retriever Golden Retrievers, like many dogs, can be prone to dental issues such as plaque buildup, gum disease, and tooth decay. These cleanings typically involve scaling, polishing, and potentially extractions if necessary. Some insurance providers offer optional dental coverage as an add-on or as part of more comprehensive plans. If dental coverage is included in the policy, it typically covers a portion of the costs associated with dental cleanings, extractions, and other necessary dental treatments. This typically includes services such as bathing, brushing, trimming, nail clipping, ear cleaning, and sometimes additional services like de-shedding or dematting. Some groomers may offer package deals or discounts for regular appointments or bundled services. This monthly expense may seem like an additional cost, but it can be a worthwhile investment when considering the potential savings on veterinary bills for treatments, surgeries, and medications. By having pet insurance in place, you can ensure that your Golden Retriever receives the necessary care without straining your finances in the event of unexpected health issues. Puppy Training and Socialization Classes Attending puppy training and socialization classes is highly recommended for the comprehensive development of your Golden puppy. These classes provide structured learning environments, social interaction, and essential obedience training. By enrolling your Golden Retriever puppy in these classes, you ensure they receive the necessary foundation for good behavior, social skills, and overall well-being. The cost for food will depend on the size, age, and activity level of your companion. Fortunately, the cheaper brands of dog food can be just as good as the more premium brands as long as they meet the standards of AAFCO and are made with minimal processing. When making your decision, make sure to avoid artificial ingredients and preservatives where you can, since they could cause health problems for your dog.
Reserve your new puppy now! Experienced Breeders We are a small boxer breeding family from rural Pennsylvania. All of our boxers are house pets who receive attention and love daily. They are vetted regularly and health tested. We do not have kennels or an outdoor facility of any kind. Each and every puppy is raised with our family, in our home. All of our boxers receive daily exercise and training. We begin potty and crate training at 4 weeks of age, so when they go to their forever homes, training has already begun!! Supreme, Respectable Lines We have a wide variety of registrations to suit our needs. We are known for our brand new line of Merle Boxers, as well. With each litter we will clearly state the registration, health and bloodlines. Our dogs are up to date on their vaccinations and our pups will be too! All of our dogs are on a diet of PawTree. We believe a high quality diet is essential for raising healthy dogs and puppies. Click on the link below to get started!! How about an emotional support dog or an athletic dog to run and bike with? A boxer can do it all! They have been used for hunting, tracking, messengers, guarding, pulling, and so much more!! Boxer puppies are best known for being amazing family dogs, super great personalities and very affectionate. They love to cuddle and play and can be gentle, and be protective companions for the whole family. Photo Gallery. My fascination for this breed actually began as a child while growing up in Great Britain. The yearly outing with my father was one I looked forward to with much anticipation. Years later I married my husband, Gene. It was always my ambition to one day bring a boxer into our own family, to be raised together with our two young sons. In we ventured out to purchase our first American bred boxer. Both my husband and I consider ourselves very fortunate indeed to have been able to purchase a beautiful, show potential brindle bitch named Chelsea from Glenn and Zona Grupe of Glennroe Boxers. Attending shows together, Zona and I put four owner-handled majors in quick succession on our beautiful Chelsea. As our foundation bitch, she launched Telstar on its way to success. Much more, I might add, than my wildest dreams. Striving to do the very best we possibly can in every aspect of raising, breeding and showing our own dogs has enabled me to enjoy the benefits of knowing our achievements have come from our love and devotion for the Boxer. Showing and breeding has had additional perks. I have had the great fortune of meeting many wonderful people along the way. As a boxer breeder, I also derive a great deal of satisfaction when placing a pet puppy in a companion home, knowing that these buyers benefit not only from our philosophy of breeding a quality, healthy, structurally sound boxer, but also from having the joy and love of owning one. I still enjoy competing as an owner handler, and oddly enough, still feel that same overwhelming sense of accomplishment being on the other end of the leash when I finish the championship on one of my dogs. The feeling is no different than I felt in the beginning, some thirty years ago. Please learn a bit more about our Boxers on our "Meet Our Boxers" page where you can see pictures, video, and information about them. We are a homeschooling family; therefore we are home everyday and able to provide our puppies with lots of attention and family interaction. Our emphasis here at Box Elder Creek is on doing our very best to provide families and individuals with a quality puppy; one that is healthy, well socialized, has an outstanding well-rounded disposition and has the look of a true quality Boxer. We do not have puppies all the time, as we chose to only have a few litters per year; in doing so we are able to dedicate a lot of time, care, love, and attention to each and every one of our puppies. We know that we have a very limited amount of time before our puppies will be leaving us and joining their new families; we feel it is our responsibility to get our puppies off on a great start in life while they are here with us, this helps ensure they will be ready and able to become a valued and much loved member of their new family. Boxers make wonderful family pets, they are great with kids and have excellent temperaments, but they are not for everyone. They love to be a part of the family and enjoy any activity that involves interaction with people, be that hiking, jogging, agility, games that make them think, lounging, babysitting, learning try clicker training , patrol duty, stealing children's toys to get everyone to chase after them, they are prone to collect shoes into piles they seem to think this is an important job , re-arranging the laundry is a favorite past time Boxers are always very helpful!! Life with a Boxer is never dull!!! They are silly and very much a jokester. Please make sure a Boxer is for you before purchasing one as they will test your patience at times. If you are looking for a dog that is independent, a Boxer is not for you as their family is very important to them and they tend to want to follow you around all day long. Boxers adore their family and it is very important that they be apart of it. I also highly recommend before purchasing a Boxer that you make sure you will have the time for proper training, as lack of training is the 1 reason Boxers end up in Boxer Rescue. We are delighted to welcome you to our website and we hope to have the opportunity to welcome you into our Boxer family! All Rights Reserved. You have found an actual Boxer breeder! We are not a puppy mill. We are not a broker. We do not deal with pet stores. We only offer Boxer puppies that have been raised here in our home by us using our own AKC registered Boxers. Many people looking for a Boxer breeder in New York, New Jersey, or even as far away as California have turned to us over the last 18 years for a great puppy. We have been raising Boxers for almost 20 years. Breeders with thirty or more dogs absolutely cannot do this. Therefore, this puppy is interacted with only every few days, if not only once a week, and that is only to clean the cage. These puppies are difficult, if not impossible to house train, because they go potty right where they eat and sleep. In addition, they will be extremely untrustworthy of people, and take much longer to socialize than a home-raised puppy. Raising our babies in the house exposes them to the hustle and bustle of a household, as well as a cat, a bunch of other dogs, and even a couple of ferrets! Good luck in finding your new family member. Please feel free to read further in our site, we have taken a lot of time to educate buyers about a variety of issues including shipping a puppy, puppy pricing, microchipping, and much more.
One or both of this puppy's parents have undergone genetic testing. One or both of this puppy's parents are hip certified. The sad truth is that many pet store purchased pups actually come from puppy mills. Basically, there is zero authenticity with pet stores. When it comes to adopting any animal from a pet store, there is an increased risk of unforeseen health or genetic problems. You also cultivate a life-long relationship with the breeder, meaning support is available to you anytime you may need it. With My Golden Retriever Puppies , you have the option to come and visit both the puppy and the breeder in person! Golden Retrievers are an adaptable breed, meaning they are better at adapting to seasonal changes and various types of climate than certain other breeds. Goldens sport a double-coat, which ensures that these sweet pups are able to tolerate slightly colder temperatures than their friends from other breeds. Your pup deserves better than that, which is why here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we ensure high-quality care is taken of your pet at all times. For more about the true price of a golden retriever puppy, you can read our full price breakdown here. Location Information for Georgia Customers Our home office is located in Ohio, but we understand that long-distance travel can be inconvenient. If you prefer to meet a breeder in person, they may be able to offer private visits at their home. Of course! Here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we value family and authenticity, which is why we always guarantee our pups through our 2-year genetic health guarantee. Like adopting a Golden Retriever from a pet store, there is an increased risk when adopting a pup from a rescue center or shelter as well. For example, pups purchased through a shelter or rescue center are far less likely to come with the kinds of health guarantees and reassurances that a breeder can provide. What type of Golden Retrievers are sold in Georgia? We have some good news! Ready to make your Golden Retriever dreams come true? Take a look at our convenient list of available puppies. How do I know which breeders to trust in Georgia? Our independent network of trusted breeders have already been pre-screened and verified, so that you can focus on what really matters: choosing your dream puppy. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. Share 0 Shares Golden Retrievers are a great family dog for anyone with an active lifestyle. These dogs love to run, play, and swim. However, their energy levels are manageable for the average person who likes to go out and enjoy the great outdoors. Families getting a Golden Retriever will also need to decide if they are going to get a male or a female , and they may also need to decide what size of Golden Retriever they want as well. When getting a Golden Retriever puppy from a breeder it is always important to do your research to make sure that they are both ethical and reputable. This will set you up to get a healthy Golden Retriever that also has an excellent temperament that the breed is famous for. Syrah Goldens Syrah Goldens in Georgia This Golden Retriever breeder is incredibly dedicated to breeding healthy and beautiful European-style Goldens that have great temperaments. This breeder also ensures that all of their dogs have passed the necessary health testing for hips, heart, eye, and elbow problems before breeding them. Of course, this breeder also follows the recommended protocols for vaccinations, vet appointments, and deworming for puppies. Additionally, every puppy from Syrah Goldens is sold with a health guarantee. The breeder behind Syrah Goldens proves their lines by being active in the dog show world, and they enter their dogs into UCI shows. In order to ensure that all of their dogs are well-loved and cared for, they have all of their adult breeding dogs living in foster homes. This way they are kept from kennel life and are given plenty of attention. Those who purchase a puppy from Syrah Goldens are provided a lifetime of support from these breeders. This means that they will take back any of their dogs if they need to be rehomed. This breeder also has a puppy training program that can be provided to new puppy owners for an extra fee. Name of Owner.
How often you should feed a German Shepherd puppy depends on their age and their activity level. Many owners also want to know when they can switch to adult food formulas for their German Shepherd puppies. Switch your GSD puppy to adult food when they are around 12 to 18 months old. Puppies can begin adult kibble when they are approximately 80 percent of their adult weight. This usually occurs around 8 to 10 months of age, but you can safely feed puppy food up to 18 months old as long as they are not putting on excess weight too quickly. If you want to know what to feed a German Shepherd puppy, keep reading. Finding the best food to feed your German Shepherd puppy is overwhelming at times. This means choosing what to feed a German Shepherd puppy is even more serious and intimidating! Follow this feeding guide when you need to know what to feed German Shepherd puppies. I understand! The following dog foods are all recommended for large breed puppies and meet and exceed regulated nutritional standards. Feeding a high-quality kibble from a name-brand company that uses feeding trials ensures the best quality and nutrition. Here are some of the best German Shepherd puppy foods that are research-backed. Packed with nutrients to help limit inflammation of the joints and uses fresh ingredients. Easily digestible formula for puppies prone to allergies and sensitive stomachs. Rich aroma with DHA fish oil to entice puppies to finish every last bite while giving shine to their coats. The better the food, the healthier your pup will be inside and out. Cheaper GSD puppy food lacks quality proteins that are essential for your working breed dog. Adding too much weight to your German Shepherd too soon can cause lifelong joint issues that are painful to your pet and expensive on your wallet. Most GSDs are healthy and fit on commercial dog foods that are high quality. These balanced formulas keep their bones and muscles strong throughout their growing periods and can ward off later joint issues, a common breed problem, as they mature. There is a greater demand for quality nutrition during the early growth stage. For these reasons, you must feed high-quality food. Now, consider what to feed a German Shepherd puppy based on their age. These feeding charts and guides will help keep your new companion growing strong and athletic. Tiny portions of canned, wet foods are introduced. Meals per day: 4 or more Puppies should stay with their mom for to keep them healthy. Nutrition Warning! At 8-weeks-old a GSD pup is eating more solid foods and develops a better appetite for kibble and other foods. Add in only a couple of small spoonfuls of canned plain pumpkin, unsweetened Greek yogurt, or cooked oatmeal to entice your pup to eat. Meals per day: 4 Week-Old Puppy Continue feeding the same as the 8-week-old diet. Treats are not only enjoyable for your German Shepherd, but help you to eneterain and build a positive relationship with him. Be sure to keep their zoomies under control by playing plenty of fun German Shepherd games for puppies. Meals per day: 4 Week-Old Puppy Continue to feed the kibble. Watch for excessive weight gain during this growth time as their bones cannot take extra weight! Too much weight gain too quickly can cause joint issues as an adult and prevent healthy development. Use their mental energy to help keep them more relaxed throughout the day by playing brain-boosting mind games for German Shepherd puppies. Meals per day: 3 to 4 Week-Old Puppy Keep your puppy trim and athletic by monitoring how much you feed your puppy and their body condition. You can write how much they eat and track this over time, and adjust how much your feed your German Shepherd puppy to keep them at a healthy weight. Try using fresh, raw, cut-up pieces of carrots as healthy treats or small, deseeded cubes of fresh apple as part of their training treats. Keep your eyes open for a growth spurt about to begin! Meals per day: 3 Week-Old Puppy Around 4 months old, you might notice your puppy finish their meal quickly and look for more food. Be sure to watch how many treats you give them throughout the day. You can do this by holding them safely in your arms and weighing them with you on the scale. Then, place them on the floor and step onto the scale without them to weigh yourself. Remember, around 16 to weeks old your German Shepherd puppy begins to rapidly grow. Instead, when looking overhead at your puppy their waist should look trim and not rounded outwards. German Shepherd puppies should appear sleek in their waistline. Meals per day: 3 Week And Older Puppy Continue to feed your German Shepherd puppy dry kibble with a small amount of healthy foods mixed in. You can lessen the healthy food you mix in gradually if you prefer. But, even as adults, German Shepherds love a bit of tasty toppers on their kibble. Around a year old, begin feeding your German Shepherd puppy 2 meals a day. Two meals, one in the morning and evening, are not only safer but also provide your German Shepherd with sustained energy to fuel their high-energy lifestyle. You can create a positive meal time by using the following tips: Always offer fresh water during their meal times. Keep the area where they eat their food in calm and out of the way of the family hustle and bustle. I found sitting with a book reading, just keeping my GSD puppy company, encouraged my dog to eat their meals while giving us time to quietly bond. Feed your German Shepherd at the same time everyday. The best time to feed a German Shepherd puppy is in the morning, before you leave for the day, and in the evening, about 2 hours before you put your dog to bed. Allow them to potty after eating to ensure their comfort. Your dog also needs to eat at other times of the day for their health and growth. How much you should feed a German Shepherd puppy really depends on a number of factors. Your GSD pup should eat enough to maintain their growth and energy, while not carrying any extra fat. Every dog is different. Keep in mind the number of calories in the kibble, which varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. Each puppy food company has a different amount of calories and size of the kibble. Here are a few things that might affect how much your German Shepherd puppy should eat. The more active a German Shepherd puppy is, the more calories he needs to eat to replace lost energy. For example, puppies need nearly twice the amount of calories as compared to adults. And older or senior German Shepherds who are less active need less food. Health Maintaining a healthy weight is essential to feeding your German Shepherd. Simply put, you can prevent some medical conditions and health problems by monitoring their waistlines. Instead follow the healthy way to bulk up a German Shepherd. To see if your German Shepherd is at the right weight you can find the average weight depending on their age. Shares German Shepherds are graceful, obedient, and loyal dogs with specific nutritional needs. Following a German Shepherd puppy feeding chart will enable you to track the amount of food your puppy is eating as they grow. There are varieties of foods available in the market and most of them come with guidelines at the back of the packaging showing you how much to feed a German Shepherd puppy. This article will cover different types of diets available and the specific nutritional needs of your German shepherd. It will also help you know what to do to ensure that your GSD gets nutritious and balanced food for every stage of their life. German Shepherd Puppy Feeding Chart There are three aspects of this German Shepherd puppy feeding chart, namely the German shepherd feeding amount, feeding frequency, and mealtime lengths. It is important to find out the appropriate feeding amount, frequency, and length for your German shepherd without leaving out one of them. That way, you can accurately find out the best way to feed your dog. Overall, there are four ranges that you need to keep in mind. An active dog may require a bit more than the numbers in this list, and an inactive dog will need a slightly less amount. But this guide can act as a solid benchmark. A puppy will need to eat more because they are growing very quickly. Talk to your vet about how much exactly so you keep them healthy and happy. Make sure your German Shepherd has access to fresh, clean water all day. When you take your dog for a walk make sure to bring along some extra water in a collapsible bowl. If they get tired on the way or it gets very hot, this can save their life. So for example, if your dog is 60lbs they should eat between lbs of food in one day. If you notice your dog is losing weight, add more calories to its meal size. However, there are other considerations on how much to feed a German shepherd puppy per day. You might want to consider avoiding meals right before bedtime. Let them digest their food first before they go to sleep. Understanding German Shepherd Puppy Nutritional Needs All dogs require nutritious, satisfying, and healthy food and every breed have their special diet. For maximum energy and health, there are factors to consider when deciding what to feed your German Shepherd: Size considerations- the AKC breed standard says that a German Shepherd can go to 26 inches tall at the shoulder. Females can be around 49 to 71 pounds while Males can be around 66 to 88 pounds. This means that they have a big appetite hence it is good to find quality food for them. They grow pretty fast hence they need specific nutrients for specific stages. Activity level- German shepherds are muscular, active, and agile which contributes to higher caloric needs to be complemented by feeding them a high-quality diet. Health consideration- GSDs are prone to many diseases hence a healthy diet will prevent problems. For example, arthritis that is caused by hip and elbow dysplasia can be mitigated through an excellent diet. Ensure that your GSD diet contains proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. How long does it take for your dog to be full? Is your dog still hungry after eating his portion? German shepherds normally take anywhere from 10 minutes to 15 minutes to finish the meal, given that you followed the proper feeding guidelines properly. If your dog shows signs of slow eating, we recommend sending them to your vet. If you think your dog is already full before finishing his portion, there is no problem. However, if your dog is still hungry after finishing the meal, consider sending him to your vet. This is because this can be a sign of a serious health issue involving their digestive system. They encourage the puppy to chew hence preventing periodontal diseases or tartar. Kibble is less expensive to buy and can stay fresh for longer. See also German Shepherd Gestation Period And Pregnancy Wet food is also essential for puppies because they allow puppies to feel fuller with less food. If your GSD need to shed a few pounds, wet food is a good way to reduce their caloric intake. Wet food is easier to digest, hence they are good for German shepherds with sensitive stomachs. Wet food is appetizing and keeps the puppy hydrated. You need to understand why your puppy cannot eat because it will help you determine the way to deal with the issue. There is no need to worry if the puppy lost appetite shortly and goes back to normal eating without any sign of illness. If the puppy loses appetite and takes a few days without improvement, take your puppy to the vet to find the problem because your dog might be sick. If the vet finds that the puppy is sick, they may suggest a special diet that will boost their immunity and give them extra nutrients to better their recovery. The puppy may have stopped eating because of behavioral issues; therefore, you may need to feed them same time to get a routine. Treats and human food that is given to the puppy may need to be reduced and also you can try different kinds of food. The German shepherd is a medium dog breed according to the AKC. Therefore, free-feeding is not a good idea. For the German shepherds, feeding schedules work better. If the puppies are free-fed the puppy may eat the leftover at any time even when they are not hungry. Sticking to a feeding routine help the puppy to stay healthy and prevent obesity. When you have a schedule, managing their weight and house training will improve. The puppy usually relieves themselves around 15 minutes after eating or drinking, therefore, when they feed at the same time every day and are taken outside after a while, accidents will be minimized. A raw diet is good for German shepherds. A raw diet help improves vitality and energy. The puppy gets healthy white teeth with an increased lifespan and reduced shedding as well as a stronger immune system. Raw meat is a great source of protein and an optimal diet. It is like keto to humans because it allows the puppy to reach their total capacity and good health. Dogs are naturally carnivorous, hence raw diet aligns with their natural needs. However, you should speak to your vet before putting your puppy on a raw food diet. The majority of commercially available kibble food is balanced and complete, and of high quality for your German shepherd puppy. Human supplements often contain harmful substances to animals and are unregulated or minimally effective. Therefore, never give human supplements to your German shepherd puppy. But they can eat small amounts of cooked chicken or turkey, plain cooked sweet potatoes or carrots, plain yogurt, and small amounts of fruits like apples or bananas without getting sick. Talk to a vet for advice on how to feed your German Shepherd puppy a healthy and balanced diet. These include chocolate, fatty foods, coffee, alcohol, chives, avocado, onions, nuts, grapes and raisins, garlic, raw or undercooked meat, and bones. These foods can cause a wide range of health problems, from stomachaches to more serious problems like pancreatitis or kidney failure. Some foods that people eat may have a lot of sodium or sugar, which can also be bad for dogs. How much food to give an older German Shepherd will depend on their needs and how much they move around. But as dogs get older, they tend to slow down and may need less food to stay at a healthy weight. As a general rule, an older German Shepherd needs about 2 to 3 cups of food per day, which should be divided between two meals. A German Shepherd that is getting older should eat high-quality senior dog food that is made for their age and size. Senior dogs might also benefit from getting smaller meals more often. If your German Shepherd puppy seems to always be hungry, you should look at what they eat and how often they eat. Make sure they eat enough for their age, weight, and level of activity. Puppies grow quickly and need more calories than adult dogs, so it is possible that they are not getting enough food. Also, make sure you feed them high-quality puppy food that is right for their age and size. If you are worried about how hungry they are or how much they weigh, you should talk to a vet to rule out any health problems and make a plan for feeding them. The amount of dry food you should feed your German Shepherd will depend on several factors, including their age, weight, and activity level. Puppies: Feed times the recommended amount on the food label. Adult dogs: Feed times the recommended amount on the food label. Active dogs: Feed times the recommended amount on the food label. Senior dogs: Feed times the recommended amount on the food label. If the dog is obviously overweight or underweight, adjust accordingly. If you can feel most of the ribs without squeezing your fingers in between them — try 1 cup per day. This is a decent starting point for a growing large breed puppy that needs the extra calories to grow big and strong. If you can feel most of the ribs AND see its waist — try 3 cups per day. This is perfect for an adult German Shepherd which needs extra calories due to being very active. With this amount, it will be able to maintain its weight, but not gain any extra fat. If you can feel all the ribs and see their waist — try 3. This is a good amount for a very active German Shepherd which needs extra calories to maintain a healthy weight. This should be sufficient for an adult German Shepherd which is quite active. If you can feel all the ribs and see their waist — try 5 cups per day. This is a good amount for an extremely active German Shepherd which needs extra calories to maintain lean muscle mass. For example, when my dog was a puppy, he would feel all ribs and see his waist when eating 2 cups of food per day. However, as he got older and larger, I had to increase the amount — even though I could still feel most of the ribs! He maintained around .Although there are lots of opinions on how much food your shepherds needs, these guidelines work for me and my German Shepherds. Everyone is different though, so you will have to adjust accordingly if necessary — this guide should help you until you find the ideal amount. If your dog is a very active one it may need more food depending on its activity level. Always be sure to give plenty of water since dry kibble can dehydrate the animal over time. However, this amount will vary depending on the size, age, and activity level of your dog. Puppies and young dogs, for example, generally need more water than adult German Shepherds. And working dogs or those who exercise frequently may require even more. This is because they can easily hydrate themselves if given free access to water. However, you still need to remember some things. For example, take note that your dog will need to drink 6 ounces of water per day for every 3. Depending on the temperature and activeness, this amount can increase. Lastly, make sure you take extra care in providing water access to your German shepherd. The most preferable way is to fill a bowl with a moderate amount of water, not too much. The feeding amount, frequency, length, and water requirements can always be changed. If you have no time to visit your vet, the following topic may help you. How Much Should A 1-year-old German Shepherd Eat A 1-year-old German Shepherd should eat about two and a half to three cups of food each day, broken up into two or three meals. Pointers for Feeding German Shepherds Improper feeding practices can lead to serious health problems for German shepherds. An owner is responsible for taking into consideration the age and weight of a German shepherd before feeding them. When feeding a german shepherd puppy that is four to six months old, you must give them two meals a day that comprises around eight ounces and five ounces. When feeding a German shepherd puppy that is between seven and twelve months old, the meal amounts should be increased to ten ounces for each meal. This amount should be split into three smaller meals. This is regardless of whether they are active or not. Yep, German shepherds can gain weight regardless of whether they exercise or not. If you think your dog is gaining too much weight, you can split their daily calories into four or five smaller meals. Some people prefer using dry dog food, while others would choose canned dog food. Whatever you choose for your German shepherd is usually okay, but canned food tends to contain more moisture than dry food which may lead to bladder stones in certain dogs. However, when it comes to the amount of dog food you feed your German shepherd, canned food leads to more obesity than dry food. If your German shepherds are over five years old, you must give them an extra meal. This additional meal should comprise around four ounces of food so they can easily digest it during their older age. When feeding a German shepherd puppy, you must know how to correctly measure their food amount. Be accurate when following the proper measurements; otherwise, it could lead to your dog gaining too much weight. Use measuring cups that are specifically made for dry food. If you use any other type of measuring device, it might lead to your dog eating too much or too little food. You must not feed your German shepherd until they are full, but allow them to eat until they are slightly satiated. Do not serve unlimited food; give them about two to three cups of food per day. If you are unsure whether or not your German shepherd is obese, check its waistline. If they have a thick waist and their stomach looks like a sphere, then that is a clear sign that your German shepherd is obese. Never let them finish their meal if they are still hungry; otherwise, you will encourage them to gorge on their food. Your German shepherd must always have access to fresh clean water, so you should ensure they can drink it whenever necessary. Feeding Guidelines by Age Before proceeding with the following points, remember that age is not the only determining factor in a German shepherd feeding chart. Make sure to consider all the content in this blog post as well. It is recommended that you slowly let them adapt first. This can be their regular food from now on. This includes fruits, bones, and more. You should also avoid giving them your leftovers. However, they will need time to adapt. You should also consider feeding your German shepherd foods that can be gnawed and chewed. This is so they can develop their jaws, teeth, and gums. This will result in less feeding amount and frequency. Feeding Guidelines by Weight German shepherds can be of different weight ranges. An average weighted German shepherd 35 kilograms will then need calories per day. This only applies to German shepherds that do not exercise or are inactive. Active German Shepherds: In the case of active German shepherds that exercise regularly, every 1 kilogram equals 55 calories per day. So an average weighted German shepherd will require calories per day to be able to function properly. Take note, however, that this calculation may be affected if the German shepherd has a health disorder concerned with metabolism or digestion. German Shepherd Puppies vs. Adults Guidelines Our last topic involves the difference between a puppy and an adult. The following are some of the facts that recent studies have proven: Puppies have higher energy levels than adults. This means they need to eat more than adult German shepherds. German shepherds will need higher protein and fat content at an early age. The amount of fat and protein will decrease as they grow older. Puppies cannot tolerate too many nutrients. Ingesting extra minerals and vitamins may lead to serious health disorders. Meanwhile, adults are only risking being overweight when taking in more than intended. German Shepherds usually have a good appetite and can eat a lot, especially when they are young and growing. But their food intake should be balanced and right for their age, weight, and level of activity to keep them from getting too much food and getting fat. As they age, they should usually eat less quickly. Most of the time, bones that have been cooked and ground up completely may be safe to eat. Instead, give them dog-made chew toys or treats. Can German Shepherds Be Vegetarians? Since German Shepherds consume meat, it follows that they must consume a significant amount of animal protein in order to get all of the necessary nutrients. Although while it is feasible to offer a dog a vegetarian or vegan diet, owners of German Shepherds should avoid doing so since it increases the likelihood that their dogs will not get all of the nutrients that they need. After talking about the feeding amount, frequency, and lengths of a German shepherd, you can now easily plan how much, how many times, and how long you feed your dog. You even learned how to hydrate your German shepherd the proper way. Lastly, we talked about the difference between a puppy and an adult in terms of feeding. Peter My name is Peter and I am a dog lover. I have two German Shepherd dogs, one of which is called Biscuit because his coat is very light with brown patches. My wife and I moved from the UK to Ohio where we now live with our two daughters. We love squash on weekends and following the English Premier League closely! Previous Article. E-mail Share by e-mail German Shepherds make great family dogs — they are loyal, intelligent, and have lots of energy! A good diet is key to giving your pet a long and healthy life, and the wrong diet can lead to a number of health problems. German Shepherds are big dogs with active lifestyles, so making sure they get the right nutrition at different stages throughout their lives is essential. Feeding your German Shepherd Puppy Puppies are growing rapidly and have very specific nutritional requirements. Puppy food tends to be high in calories and protein as they are bundles of energy at this age! Feeding your German Shepherd puppy a good quality balanced diet is essential to ensure that they grow up to be healthy adults. There are some foods designed specifically for large breeds such as German Shepherds, which provide extra support for their growing joints. You should look out for these foods in the pet store and ideally choose one of these large breed diets. You can find further general puppy feeding guidelines and advice via the AKC as well as specific German Shepherd facts and info. How often should I feed my German Shepherd puppy? Puppies need to be fed more frequently than adult dogs to support their rapidly growing bodies. German Shepherd puppies should be fed 4 meals a day until they are 3 months old, then reduce to 3 meals a day until they are 10 months old when their growth rate starts to slow down. Once they reach this age, they need 2 meals a day. When should I start feeding adult food? Puppies must stay on puppy food until they reach adult size. German Shepherds are large dogs and tend to reach adult size later than smaller dogs. They are usually fully matured at months. German Shepherds should stay on puppy food until they are months old, then they should move on to an adult diet. Feeding your adult German Shepherd An adult German Shepherd will weigh around lbs and need at least an hour of exercise every day, so their diet needs to reflect this. It might seem like your dog is eating a lot, but they need to replace the energy they burn off and eat enough of the right nutrients to sustain them! How often should I feed my German Shepherd? Adult dogs should be fed two meals a day. When should I switch from adult to senior food? As dogs get older their nutritional requirements change again. They are less active, and German Shepherds are more prone to joint problems such as osteoarthritis. You should consider switching to a senior diet at around 8 years of age. What type of food should German Shepherds eat? Whichever diet you pick, you should ensure it is suitable for large dogs or working breeds and that it has plenty of protein and calcium, and also includes some type of doggy superfoods, too. Commercially prepared foods are the best way to ensure your dog gets a balanced diet with all the nutrients they need to stay healthy, and they come in wet or dried forms. Some dogs prefer one or the other, whilst some enjoy a variety and mix of both. Dry Food Dried food is cheap, easy to feed and store, and has lots of benefits for your dogs. Dogs fed a dried food diet will drink more water, and you can soak the kibble to add a bit extra if you like. Wet Food Wet foods contain more water than dried, and often resemble meat which some dogs love. The food is usually in chunks with jelly or gravy, and some dogs prefer it to dried. Final Thoughts German Shepherds are large and active dogs with demanding nutritional requirements throughout their lives. They go through a rapid growth stage as puppies, and as adults need the right balance of nutrients to replenish the energy they burn off exercising. They need to eat a diet that has the right balance of protein, calcium, and other essential nutrients, and ensure they get the right number of meals a day to maintain good physical and mental health. Puppies should eat meals a day until they are around 10 months old then they should eat 2 meals a day as adults. Do German shepherds require a lot of food? German Shepherds are large dogs so naturally, eat larger portions than smaller breeds. They are active dogs and need lots of protein and energy to keep them healthy. Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh. So, how many times a day should you feed your German Shepherd? German Shepherds should be fed at least twice a day. Vets recommend two smaller meals instead of one large meal for healthy digestion and energy. For puppies, feed 4 meals a day up to three months old, then 3 meals a day up to six months old, before finally reducing to 2 meals a day. It is essential to stick to food schedules that are consistent for the long-term health of your German Shepherd, especially as the breed is prone to the life-threatening condition, Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus GDV , commonly known as bloat. This article will cover how often to feed a German Shepherd whether puppy or adult and how much to give your dog to keep him healthy and happy. Hey there! As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. We may also earn commissions if you purchase products from other retailers after clicking on a link from our site. My German Shepherd Willow eating her meal Hey! As a working breed raised to herd and protect sheep, they are typically energetic, enjoy physical activity, and love having a job to do. Due to their dynamic character, they demand a high-energy diet. However, as large, deep-chested dogs, they are one of the breeds prone to bloat GDV , and vets advise against feeding one large meal a day. Twice per day is the standard, with a good few hours in between, as it allows your GSD to eat and digest his food properly. German Shepherds, like most dogs, work well when fed on a schedule. I absolutely agree with this, especially as the German Shepherd is susceptible to a sensitive stomach and is known to have more digestive problems than other breeds. However, if you have any concerns, you should speak to your vet. If you have a high-energy or working German Shepherd, such as a guard dog, assistance dog, or Police or Military dog that gets a lot of exercise, you may consider feeding little and often to prevent hunger. German Shepherd Puppy Feeding Schedule German Shepherd puppies will require more frequent feedings as they expend far more energy and have smaller stomachs to hold their food. You should feed a German Shepherd puppy four meals a day between 6 and 12 weeks old. Puppies aged between 12 and 24 weeks should have three meals a day, and from 24 weeks onwards, German Shepherd puppies should be fed twice per day. Age of Puppy. The two most obvious goals of feeding your German Shepherd are for health and growth. How fast do German Shepherds grow? German Shepherds are medium-large dogs and therefore grow at a fast rate over the first six to seven months leading up to adolescence. Adult German Shepherds are 22 to 26 inches tall and weigh 50 to 95 pounds. Reputable weight charts suggest your German Shepherd puppy will have attained three-quarters of their final weight over these first six to seven months. This is A LOT of growing to do in a short amount of time — when you brought your puppy home, it was probably only eight inches tall and weighed around 15 pounds. By 12 to 15 months old, a German Shepherd is within an inch or less of their adult height. Therefore, your male German Shepherd will be 23 to 25 inches tall and weigh 59 to 93 pounds by his first birthday. How does diet affect the health of growing Shepherds? Recently it has come to light that a proper diet for puppies does more than prevent malnutrition. As part of this proper diet, there are many things that should never be fed to German Shepherds. Orthopedic Problems Many orthopedic problems such as hip and elbow dysplasia have a strong hereditary component. However, people often discount the role of diet in bone developmental issues. Merely creating an oversized puppy, as is often the case for show animals and people fixated on large dogs, can lead to several painful disorders: Hip dysplasia Elbow dysplasia Panosteitis — Generalized inflammation of the long bones in puppies; common in German Shepherds. Overnutrition and over-supplementation of certain vitamins and minerals lead to paradoxical malnutrition of the bone, and subsequently improper development. Nutritional experts have modified their recommendations regarding the diets of large-breed dogs. Many nutritionists and veterinarians advocate feeding German Shepherds and other large-breed puppies an adult or professionally-formulated homemade diet to limit the occurrence and severity of developmental problems. Pet food manufacturers have caught onto the concept of overnutrition in puppies, and most carry special diets for large-breed puppies. Also, do not supplement your puppy with vitamins, minerals, or proteins without veterinarian direction — their excessive use will disrupt bone and cartilage growth and harm the growth plates. Many people use the food bag as a starting point to decide how much to feed their dogs. However, a label on commercial food is one of the easiest ways to overfeed your growing puppy. Feeding your puppy involves regularly evaluating and tracking their weight. You should be able to assess how close your pup is to their ideal weight just by looking at them. Silhouette from the side — a slight tuck. Pat the ribcage where the abdomen slightly lifts towards the hips. From above — Clear waist; should see an hourglass shape from rib cage to hips When you palpate — You should feel the ribs under a thin layer of fat without having to prod very hard. Puppies will vary in their body scores and may change rapidly within a few days. Pups often lose their abdominal tuck right after a meal. Puppies under 16 weeks old commonly have a pot-bellied appearance without much abdominal tuck. Thin dogs will show more visibility of ribs, waist, and pelvis without appearing emaciated or unhealthy. If your puppy eats well but fails to grow or gain sufficient weight, consult a medical professional. German Shepherds can be susceptible to rare cases of pituitary gland dwarfism or a deficiency of enzyme production from the pancreas. Volume The easiest way to determine how much food to give your Shepherd pup is to figure out how many cups they need in a day and divide it by the number of feedings. German Shepherds eat about four cups of food daily from 16 weeks of age to nine months or a year regardless of weight. The volume accounts for the relatively high caloric requirements of the young growing animal. German Shepherds over a year old may need as much as five to eight cups of dog food. Other references, however, use weight rather than age. Pups eat one cup of food daily per 15 to 20 pounds. Dogs over pounds receive five cups of kibble plus an additional half a cup for every extra 20 pounds. Like all models, more active dogs need to eat more food — make adjustments up or down based on body scoring. You can estimate the volume to feed your German Shepherd pup once you find the conversion rate. Dry dog food bags and wet food cans usually have the kilocalorie equivalence of each cup of the product. The number of calories you feed your Shepherd depends on how close to the adult weight they are. Once your puppy reaches six weeks old, you may still have to feed it a mash but can decrease meals to four per day. German Shepherd puppies between the ages of 12 and 16 weeks can eat three to four times daily, while most dogs over four months of age decrease to a frequency of two to three times daily. Centering a few potty breaks around meals that stimulate their intestinal tracts helps develop consistent habits. GDV Your German Shepherd puppy will begin to develop a deeper chest combined with significant size by four to six months of age. Both physical characteristics put your puppy at additional risk of gastric dilatation and volvulus compared to smaller breeds. Four months is the age at which most pups will see a significant increase in their meal sizes. Studies have linked large meals with GDV , or bloat, life-threatening distension, and rotation of the stomach. Increasing the number of feedings greatly reduces the incidence of GDV. We recommend at least two meals a day for your dog, even as your Shepherd approaches adulthood. How much to feed a German Shepherd puppy is part of a broader equation that includes avoiding overfeeding, calculating portion sizes, and scheduling appropriate mealtimes. However, a fat or pudgy puppy is not a look anyone should encourage. The puppy may appear to be in good shape, but you need to feel the ribs to be certain. Four Months You can really start to see the amount the pup has grown compared to the eight-week-old puppy! To get a better idea of what to expect with a young GSD, feel free to watch this video! It illustrates the rapid growth rate of the German Shepherd and touches on diets as well. Recommended reading. Growth and weight The German Shepherd puppy is a popular addition to many households. Sometimes called the Alsatian puppy, the German Shepherd was initially developed for herding and now commonly used as a working dog or pet. This is your guide to providing all the nutrients your new puppy needs. When Your Puppy Comes Home Although they look pretty sturdy at eight weeks old, German Shepherd puppies are vulnerable to tummy upsets when they arrive at a new home. To help them settle in stick with the food their breeder was giving them for the first two weeks minimum. You can then gradually swap over by increasing proportions over the course of a couple of days. However, if they are doing well on their original food, considering sticking with it for longer. To begin with follow the guidelines provided by the breeder, the feed manufacturer or by your veterinarian. This will vary depending on how calorie dense the food is and how it is formulated. Your puppy should be fed four times a day up to the age of four months. After this age, two larger meals at regular times will be sufficient. However, the more often you feed your pup the stronger your bond will grow. Simple sits and recalls, puppy tricks, they all make a big difference to how your dog behaves towards you and feels about you as they grow. What to Feed A German Shepherd Puppy You will find there are a lot of different opinions about what kind of food is best. Kibble and wet food are the most popular, but you do also have the option of raw or homemade meals. Puppy Kibble Great quality, high meat content kibble is my go-to for feeding larger puppy breeds. At the beginning of the day I measure out their daily food amount, then separate it into little pots. Some as meals, and the remainder to use throughout the day to reward good behavior or get off on the right foot with positive reinforcement. The FDA recently issued a notice alerting dog owners to a potential increased risk of a serious heart condition. This is called canine dilated cardiomyopathy DCM. The risk is in dogs eating foods that include peas, lentils, or potatoes instead of grains. The underlying cause of these cases is not clear, but the FDA note suggests that caution should be used in selecting foods with these ingredients for German Shepherds and other large dogs. Canned Dog Food For picky eaters canned food can be more appealing. It smells stronger, and debatably tastes nicer. These diets do not include cooked or otherwise processed foods. However, it may be more difficult to regulate a BARF diet to ensure a slow and steady growth rate in young puppies. If you find this option intriguing, you can check out our article on feeding your dog a raw diet. Homemade Diets Research has shown that in the past, poorly balanced homemade diets have been harmful to German Shepherd puppies. There is now abundant information available to anyone who is willing and able to produce a safe and balanced diet. However, modern cases studies have shown that well-meaning owners may still over-feed or create an unbalanced diet. So, this is an area where you really can have too much of a good thing. As with commercial foods, homemade diets must be properly formulated for a large breed dog. Do not deviate from recommended recipes as provided by a veterinarian. If possible, preferably a vet with a board certification in veterinary nutrition. Recipes published in popular magazine and websites may not be nutritionally complete or suitable for a large breed puppy. Is My Puppy the Right Weight? You can also refer to German Shepherd puppy growth charts to see if you puppy is gaining weight and within the normal range. However, keep in mind that some dogs will be unusually small or large but still be perfectly healthy. Do not try to maximize growth rates as this can lead to health problems later. Ensure that you are familiar with how to assess the body condition of your puppy. The ribs and spine should be easy to feel but not simple to see. My Puppy Is Still Hungry If your puppy seems excessively hungry provide more frequent but smaller meals. Young puppies cannot tolerate going without food for extended periods. With older puppies you may wish to experiment with foods that help them feel more full, and provide low calories treats. Keeping a health puppy active and occupied will help prevent them from becoming overly focused on anticipating their next meal. Split that daily amount up between all meals. For example, if your 3-month-old GSD puppy is a male and weighs 30 pounds, you should feed him approximately 2 cups per day. Since she no longer needs the extra calories to help support her fast growth period, you can safely reduce her feedings to 2 or 3 meals per day. While she should still be eating puppy food at this point, you may consider purchasing a bag of her eventual adult formula. You can use individual kibbles from the adult formula for treats or training rewards. This will help her get used to the new flavor and texture. Around 9 months of age, you can begin slowly adding a small amount of the adult formula into her puppy food, though she should still be eating primarily puppy chow. Only your vet will be able to tell you when your dog has reached maturity and can be safely moved to adult food. So, make sure you are in close contact with your vet to be sure that your feeding plan is individualized for your specific dog. Adult dog food will have a different ratio of calcium, protein, phosphorus, and other nutrients than puppy food does. Feeding an adult dog a puppy formula can cause obesity as well as put too much strain on kidneys and other vital organs. Long term use of inappropriate food for an adult dog can have catastrophic consequences. That said, there is no need to panic if your adult GSD eats a bowl of puppy food now and then. Adult German Shepherds should be fed twice a day. Again, bloat is a real problem for large breed dogs, and large meals seem to be a big cause of this. I feed my adult dogs this particular blend for a number of reasons. The blend is designed specifically with German Shepherds in mind, as it uses high-quality, animal-based nutrients to counter the extra stress put on the joints of GSDs and to help the development strong lean muscle to keep your dog in peak physical condition. You really can see the difference. This is evident by the fast decline in health, joint flexibility, and energy in older large breed dogs compared to same-age smaller breeds. When your GSD moves from the adult life stage to senior, you need to adjust her diet. Large breeds reach the older stage not quite senior, but close around half of their assumed life expectancy. Inevitably, your GSD will need to switch over to a senior diet. Older large breed dogs have lower energy needs. Older dogs also tend to slow down their digestion, so an increase in fiber might be a good choice for your senior GSD. Do be sure to confirm this with your vet, however. Not all foods are created equal. For treats, senior dogs should avoid calorie-dense milk bones and high-salt or fatty treats. Opt for healthy, whole-food treats such as apple slices or carrots. Some senior dogs begin to develop health conditions that will require special care. This is often a result of poor nutrition early in life, but can sometimes simply be genetics and old age catching up with them. But for GSDs with health issues such as kidney disease and joint pain, diet can play an even bigger role in the quality of their lives. Getting a personalized recommendation from your veterinarian is worth the time, expense, and effort. These charts can seem pretty straightforward at first glance. Instead, use them as a starting point. Observe your dog, see how he looks and feels, and note any changes in his bathroom habits, weight, or energy level. Adjust his meals accordingly. Generally speaking, they talk about daily intake, not per meal. It means to split that 3 cups total over the entire day. If your dog eats 3 times per day, that would be 1 cup at each meal for a total daily intake of 3 cups. To further confuse dog parents, some manufacturers do list per-meal serving sizes, not the total daily intake! In these cases, if you read it incorrectly, you would end up underfeeding your dog. To help mitigate some of this confusion, it may be helpful to ask your vet how many calories your dog should be consuming each day. Then you can check the calorie content in the dog food and measure things from there. Raw Diets, Cooking for Dogs, and Other Alternative Feeding This article has been focusing mainly on commercially available dry kibble since that is what most pet parents ultimately choose for their dogs. However, there are many dog owners that choose to feed alternative diets. These include raw diets and cooking regular people food for dogs. There are many viable options for feeding your healthy German Shepherd, but there are just as many harmful fads, too. As with commercial foods, be sure to speak with your vet before starting your dog on a raw diet or home-cooking her meals. Human supplements are often unregulated, minimally effective, and often contain substances harmful to animals. Never use a human supplement for your German Shepherd. Final Thoughts What you feed your German Shepherd is just as important as how much you feed them. Pay special attention to the first 4 or 5 ingredients listed on the back of the packaging. Choose high-quality, safety-tested foods with clear ingredient and nutrition labels. The best food for German Shepherd puppies in their first two to four months of life is milk from their mother. This specialised care is usually left to German Shepherd breeders or veterinarians, who are knowledgeable in caring for pups with no mother to nurse from. If you have recently brought a German Shepherd puppy into your family, they are most likely older than 8 weeks, and so have started to eat solid foods. Before the four month mark, it is advised to include some dry food in their diet. You can do this in a few simple steps: Mix some dry food with specially formulated puppy milk to form a soft mixture. You can feed your puppy this mixture three to four times a day. Over time, reduce the amount of milk you include in this mixture, until they are at the point where they are happily eating dry foods. Read on to learn how much you should feed your German Shepherd puppy as they get older. With this rapid growth can come some risks. German Shepherds are susceptible to bone growth disorders, like hip dysplasia, that can start in puppyhood. They will be very active in their adolescent years, and so should be fed with this in mind. The transition from puppy food to adult food should happen between 12 and 24 months of age. This is because, being a larger breed who grows very quickly, you want to ensure that you are feeding them according to their large breed needs. Remember that the more active the pup, the more food they require. While following feeding guidelines is important to avoid over and underfeeding, you can adjust the amounts of food you provide to your dog based on level of activity. If you are unsure, it is always best to ask your vet for guidance. You need to take special care when considering what you should feed your German Shepherd puppy, as they require different nutrients compared to their adult counterparts. For puppies, this amount will often be two of three times higher, as they are more active and growing quickly. German Shepherd puppies need to eat food that is high in proteins and fats. Carbohydrates are also essential for supporting your active pup. Aside from nutritionally complete dry puppy food, German Shepherd puppies can benefit from the extra protein that raw meat can provide them with, such as lean beef, turkey, chicken, or fish. However, they can also be at risk of gastric dilatation or volvulus, or GDV. Certain dog breeds can be more susceptible to GDV; particularly deep chested breeds including German Shepherds. GDV can occur when a dog bloats a few hours after eating a meal. Though the exact causes of GDV are not known, grains and cereals are suspected to be contributors. The amount of food you give your German Shepherd is determined by their weight, energy levels, and age. For most adult German Shepherds, between 1, to 2, calories per day from high quality food sources is ideal. Female German Shepherds, which tend to be about 8 kilos lighter than males, may need less food, as will less active dogs. Dogs who need less food, whether they are less active or simply older, will usually still need around 1, and 1, per day. You may want to alter the amount of food you are feeding your German Shepherd based on how calorically dense their food is. German Shepherds should be fed twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. Their daily allotment of food should be split evenly between these two meals. For most dogs, it is recommended that you exercise your dog before meal times to assist with potty training. However, some dogs who are at risk of GDV may benefit from exercise after eating, to aid with digestion. You should also try to give your German Shepherd a high quality food that is specially designed for larger or working breeds, especially if they are very active. For example, less active senior dogs will need to eat less food as they will not be burning calories as quickly as a lively little puppy will. Senior dogs may benefit from a higher fibre and lower calorie diet. Your dog may also develop chronic or short term medical conditions that require specially formulated food. German Shepherds can be particularly susceptible to skin disease or allergies, including canine atopic dermatitis, bacterial skin infections, flea allergy dermatitis, forms of contact dermatitis, or scabies. If your dog develops a skin issue, it is often a sign that they may be suffering from a form of food sensitivity. If you are unsure about what you should feed your German Shepherd, you should always consult your vet as they will be able to determine if your dog is suffering from any allergies or chronic health issues: creating a nutritional plan to help keep your dog healthy and happy for years to come. Part of figuring out what you should feed your German Shepherd includes deciding between wet, dry, or a raw food diet. Wet food for German Shepherds is often high in protein and fat, and is better at keeping your dog hydrated than other food sources. A raw diet can be a good option for your German Shepherd as you have more control over the kinds of food and amount of nutrients your pup is consuming. For this reason, raw diets require a lot more work on your part as an owner. Whatever you decide to feed your German Shepherd, all dogs need a similar ratio of nutrients in their diets. The amount of food you feed your dog should be determined by their activity levels, age, weight, breed, and size. Any meals prepared for your dog need to contain the right balance of nutrients. You should also be extra careful not to introduce your dog to foods that are harmful to their health. While we might enjoy the taste of nuts, artificial sweeteners, alcohol and onions, these can be toxic for dogs and can cause serious illness and even death. German Shepherds in particular need plenty of exercise as they are a large working breed with a lot of energy. No matter how old your German Shepherd is, it is important to keep to a consistent feeding schedule. A feeding schedule can help you keep track of any changes in behaviour around food that might signal illness or physiological stress.
They are outgoing, active and affectionate companions who have a lot of energy and love making their owner happy. They have strong retrieving instincts as they were bred to be gun dogs, so they love both soft toys and diving into bodies of water. It is highly unusual for the puppy's owner to care for them during this time and is best left to a responsible, reputable breeder. Your puppy's body will double in weight as their muscles, organs and bones develop. Nutrition During the neonatal stage, your Labrador puppy will get most of their nutrition from their mother's milk. At around 4 weeks you may wish to introduce a mush of minced protein such as beef, but always consult your vet first before changing your puppy's diet at this stage. Health During this time it is important to monitor your Lab for any infections, diseases or birth defects. Puppies are unable to urinate or defecate by themselves initially, so their mother helps them but may additionally require your assistance. Keep your vet's contact details close by and educate yourself thoroughly on this stage of puppy development. By the end of this period, your puppy will be mobile and will explore the world mouth first — be sure to keep choking hazards and toxic foods out of their reach. Behaviour During most of this time your Labrador puppy will be asleep or inactive, but they will soon be playing with their brothers and sisters. After weeks they will go through as much sensory development as a human baby does in a few months. It is important to avoid disturbing the puppies' mother as she will be likely be protective, but some interaction with the young pups is normal so they become used to human touch. This is a formative time for your puppy and will be when they learn to walk, play, bite, hold their bladder, and interact with others. You will soon notice their attentiveness to you and their intense love of play — many Labs keep this caring and fun attitude for their whole lives if you foster it. Nutrition During the weaning stage, you should slowly introduce into their diet a nutritionally complete dog food which is appropriate to your Labrador's large size and young age. Labs are notoriously greedy and will quickly gobble down food and snatch treats from hands. You should familiarise yourself with lists of toxic foods and plants to avoid and hide as your puppy will soon find ways to get into forbidden snacks found only in bins. Labradors puppies instinctively like to 'dig' inside their water bowls so much of their water will end up on the ground. Make sure to get your puppy used to touching inside their small ears as they are prone to ear infections and will need regular checkups. Behaviour Due to the changes in their environment, your Labrador puppy will likely be under a significant amount of stress. It's important that you provide lots of attention and positive reinforcement for good behaviour at this time to establish boundaries early. Labradors are eager to love anyone but can be overbearing, so you should introduce them to a number of different people and environments so that they are not overwhelmed with excitement later in life. PUPPY By the time your Labrador Retriever reaches puppyhood their personality will be well developed and you will have established a loving, social friend who wants to maximise time with you and others. Your Labrador puppy will do well socially and behaviourally from puppy training classes as long as treats are involved. Nutrition Your Labrador puppy's diet should be based around a high quality, nutritionally complete puppy food. You may also wish to introduce them to fresh, lean raw meat — however, don't feed your puppy any meat you would not feed to a fellow human being. Bloat is potentially fatal but can be combatted by feeding your dog two smaller meals per day, a habit you should start while they are a puppy. A rough guide is that they should exercise for minutes per day and less after 5 years when many lose their appetite for long marathons of activity. Your pup will need brushing every few days, with more frequent grooming during seasonal changes to combat shedding. Bathing should be infrequent as this can damage the waterproofing of their coats, however, you should wash them after swimming or rolling in muck. After around 8 weeks your puppy will be due for some vaccinations, so they will need a checkup at the vet and to arrange for boosters after that. Studies showed that dogs supplemented with a diet of bovine colostrum had a quicker and stronger immune system response to CDV vaccine as compared to dogs fed a control diet. Colostrum supplemented dogs maintained a higher antibody level even after 40 weeks A diet supplemented with Colostrum helps bridge the immunity gap in puppies that occurs between 3 weeks and 5 months of age. Behaviour Do not be complacent with training your Labrador puppy — almost all are very gentle and well behaved, but this does not mean that training is unnecessary. Labs are very loving and patient with all that they meet, but they often do not know their own size. To combat this, they should be trained in how to act around small dogs and children to avoid intimidation or accidental injury. They will also benefit from obedience training to drop things from their mouths, avoid rushing across busy streets and make sure they come when called. Recommended Articles. We may receive commissions from purchases made via our links. Once they reach eight weeks, changing to dry kibble food is best. We recommend feeding a Labrador puppy dry kibble for the first months before changing to an adult food type. But to remain healthy, owners should know what to feed them. Dog owners should feed a Labrador puppy dry food kibble , wet food, or fresh human food, depending on their budget and lifestyle. There are many options for food for dogs, and it can become challenging to determine which one is the best option for the dog. We have found the best options and listed them below. They help us with our daily tasks, are always there when we need them, and bring great joy to our lives. But, it is essential to ensure that our dog gets the best nutrition possible. They have a lot of energy and need to be fed accordingly. This includes the number of calories, food type, and the number of meals per day. We will explain all of these factors to help understand what to feed these precious animals. A Labrador puppy needs high-quality protein in their diet, so they should not be fed just any type of food. This is why we recommend three food options: dry food or kibble, fresh food or human food, or wet food. We prefer using dry food or kibble in most cases, but it is beneficial to start with wet food for young puppies and transition to dry food after a few weeks. Feeding a puppy human food is possible, but it can be more expensive and requires extra work to stick to a cleaner diet at this age. We have found it to be a healthier and more convenient option for our pets. It is also a good alternative to wet food which can be difficult to store and prepare. The benefits of dry dog food are that it offers the pup a balanced diet that doesn't need refrigeration. It also offers convenience because we can buy it in bulk and store it in the pantry or freezer until needed. Dry dog food is also less expensive than wet food, which is another benefit for pet owners. Fresh Food Human Food Feeding a Labrador puppy a diet of fresh, real human food is one of the best things to do for their health and well-being. It will not only make them happy and content, but it will also keep them healthy. This eliminates the guessing game; they are only fed real, natural foods with no unknown ingredients. However, it will become expensive and require regular cooking and preparation. Wet Food Wet food is recommended for Labrador puppies when they are first born and for the first weeks while they grow. It can be either raw or cooked. Wet food is a good source of water and minerals, which are important in the early days of their life to help them grow strong bones and teeth. It should be given to a puppy as soon as it comes out of its mother's womb, but it must not be given before it starts eating solid foods because it will cause diarrhea. Once they get more mature, moving to kibbles is best. It is known for its low level of grain and carbohydrate content and high protein content. Once they reach the week mark, there are better options to help the puppy continue to develop and grow. This food also helps with digestion and weight management. It also promotes proper bone growth with antioxidants and necessary nutrients like vitamin E. The kibble is also shaped strategically to help puppies who chew fast while helping with jaw growth. Overall, this is the best food option for a Labrador puppy. It is designed for all life stages, from puppies to seniors, and we love the benefits it provides to younger labs. The product features a blend of highly digestible proteins, omega-6 fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, taurine, and glucosamine. This ensures the dog gets the nutrition they need while also reducing the risk of digestive tract problems such as bloat or pancreatitis. It also has a low glycemic index and no corn, wheat, or soy in the recipe. Dog owners can also expect an excellent protein ratio when using this food. Both veterinarians and nutritionists have recognized it for its high-quality ingredients for young puppies. The Acana High Protein formula is made with a blend of chicken, turkey, and fish meals, whole eggs, and natural beef or lamb meal. The product has a limited ingredient list with no corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, or preservatives. It also has no added sugar and a low glycemic index. This food also contains probiotics and prebiotics to help the pet maintain a healthy immune system. This is the perfect dry dog food for puppies after eight weeks old. This brand is also very affordable for those who want to feed their dog a healthy diet without breaking the bank. It features a patented recipe that helps to promote healthy digestion, strong teeth and gums, healthy skin and shiny coat, a strong immune system, healthy joints and muscles, and a healthy heart. This is a high-protein food option for Labradors too. It promotes lean muscle growth and improved body health with omega fatty acids, antioxidants, glucosamine, probiotics 5. It is made with high-quality ingredients and has a great taste and texture for labs to enjoy. This food is to help with puppy development and is suitable for all Labradors under one-year-old. This wet food provides the perfect balance of healthy proteins to support a dog's growth while providing the energy they need to maintain its fitness levels. This can be fed as a meal or as an occasional snack between meals. It has no artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, or added sugar. It also contains omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, which are important for healthy skin and the dog's coat. They are large, strong, intelligent dogs that need a lot of attention, exercise, and food. These dogs can be picky eaters and usually need a lot of calories because of their size. This is especially true for puppies so they can grow properly and remain healthy due to their increased risk of health issues. Food Type Labrador puppies' most popular dog foods are kibbles and canned wet food. Kibbles are the best option for a puppy because they are easy to chew and digest. Canned food is a good option for pups who have difficulty chewing or digesting dry food and would benefit from a little moisture in their diet. The food type also depends on the owner. Dry food or kibbles are faster to prepare, while serving human food to a lab puppy requires extensive prep time. Nutritional Value When it comes to nutritional value, we want dog food that has high-quality protein and carbohydrates. This will help the puppy grow strong and healthy. This is why we need to take into account the nutritional value, quality of ingredients, and taste. It should be made with all-natural ingredients that are sourced from human-grade materials such as vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. A brand should have all the essential nutrients for a pup but still, be low in toxic elements and preservatives too. Dietary Restrictions Lastly, consider the dietary restrictions of the Labrador puppy before choosing a dog food option. This includes any allergies or health concerns for the dog and shopping for something that suits them best. For example, lab puppies must reach a certain carbohydrate and protein number daily. Labradors are also known to have allergies, especially young ones, so planning around this is crucial. A puppy should be fed at least three times a day, with a meal size that is appropriate for its body weight. They should also be given small daily snacks to keep them satisfied and happy, including treats to help with training. We feed our puppies the best that we can. We want to give them all the nutrients and vitamins they need. We also want to make sure that they are getting a balanced diet. The most important thing when feeding a Labrador puppy is that they get enough calories from their food every day. In the first weeks, the puppy should eat four smaller daily meals. Once the lab reaches three months, this can be changed to three meals per day. And after months, we recommend two meals per day. The key is not to change the calories much when the meals change but to simply modify the size of each meal to fit the total daily food amount. Feeding a Labrador puppy is not rocket science, but there are some things everybody should know about what to feed them and when to feed them. We have covered this basis, but changes need to be made as they age. This leads to a common question about changing food to fit the needs of a grown adult Labrador. The dog's age will determine how quickly they grow and how much energy they need. Lab puppies can stick with kibbles for up to 12 months. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. As we all know too well, what we put in our belly has a huge impact on our health, vitality, length and quality of life. They have to strike a fine balance between getting enough nutrients to grow and avoiding an over-abundance that can lead to abnormal growth and disabling conditions. In this article you will learn precisely how to feed your puppy. What they can eat, what they should not, how many times you should feed them each day, basic information on home-made diets and the pros and cons of various commercial dog foods. The majority of Labrador owners feed their puppy kibble. Kibble is ground meal, shaped into dried biscuit-like pellets that are extremely convenient to buy, store and feed, providing everything a puppy needs in one easy to handle product. All the major brands carry a range of kibble and many are specifically formulated to suit the precise needs of puppies. For our recommendations of the best puppy food for labs, please read our article on: The Best Food for Labrador Puppies. Good breeders will supply you with all the information you need to feed your new puppy and you should follow this advice. Puppies almost always get upset tummies during a change of diet. The stress of moving to a new home is enough to deal with without them potentially having tummy upset on top. So try to avoid this. But expect your puppy to get diarrhea after such a sudden change. What Can Puppies Eat? With a bewildering choice of different puppy foods available, what to feed your puppy may not be the easiest decision to make. You Can Feed Your Puppy Kibble Kibble is ground up food, formed into pellets and dried for easy storage and convenience. It is a specially formulated, complete and balanced diet, containing everything a puppy needs to grow and be healthy. Many people believe kibble is the best way to feed a puppy, with it being so easy to buy, store and feed while containing every nutrient a puppy needs in the right proportions. Wet, Complete Puppy Foods Are An Option As the name suggests, complete wet dog food is complete and balanced, meaning nothing should be fed in combination. Everything needed is included in this one food. Complete wet foods come in individual pouches or tins with one pouch or tin containing one single serving. In the main these foods are low in nutrition, contain a high amount of cheap fillers, by-products and water and need mixing with a biscuit to give them some substance and to make them more complete. Because the food is such low quality, you have to feed a lot of it. And what goes in, must come out. This type of feeding was popular decades ago and I do remember my parents feeding our first dogs this way, but most people have moved on from this and are feeding their dogs in better ways now. Raw Food, BARF And Home-Made Diets Raw feeding is a diet that consists of mostly raw meat, edible bones and animal organs, though most practitioners also mix in small portions of fruit, veg and selected other foodstuffs. There are many people feel strongly that this is the best possible way to feed a dog. But I would caution most people that to feed this diet successfully, you need to do A LOT of research, gain a lot of knowledge and truly understand a dogs nutritional needs to make sure they get exactly what they need in the right amounts. Many people wonder if they can feed their puppy human foods, anything found in the fridge or larder. Furthermore, there are many human foods that are toxic to dogs that you should avoid at all costs. Too much of some nutrients can be bad in itself, but also prevent the absorption and use of other nutrients too. So supplementing a balanced diet is a bad thing to do. Can You Give Puppies Milk? Assuming you get your puppy at the recommended 8 weeks, they will have been fully weaned before you bring them home. Many puppies are intolerant of cows milk and drinking it leads to an upset tummy and diarrhea so you would do best to avoid giving your puppy any milk at all. One exception is for very young puppies under 6 weeks of age. When we have newborn puppies at our house we sometimes need to supplement and use Esbilac Milk Supplemen t. However, if you have a very young puppy that you think may need supplementing please first consult with your veterinarian. Are They Necessary? You will likely be feeding your puppy a commercially available complete and balanced dog food, in which case you certainly should not supplement their food. Supplementing this will mean too much of one or more things, making it unbalanced which can actually lead to harm. But an excess amount of calcium in the diet of a Lab puppy can lead to skeletal development problems. So adding a calcium supplement to an already complete diet can actually do more harm than good. There may also be times your vet advises you to do so. But if feeding raw, you should know more about nutrition than I do. This is a hard question to answer and sadly I cannot give you a definite quantity or weight to feed them each day. Puppies grow at different rates, some are more active than others and there can be large differences between metabolisms too. However… The biggest determining factor is how concentrated the nutrients and calories are in the brand of food you feed them. High quality foods are nutrient rich and give a puppy all they need from quite small amounts of food. But cheaper brands are full of low quality and nutritionally empty fillers that mean a puppy needs considerably more to get what they need. Start by feeding your puppy according to the guidelines on the label of the puppy food you buy for them. Then see how their body develops. Puppies should not be fat! But at the other end of the scale if they start to look and feel a little slim, up their portion sizes a little. The guidelines on the food you buy are just that…guidelines. You might also be interested in:. Remember, Labs do not have a natural food intake regulator so you will need to monitor them with portion control. Using a cheaper brand is a poor option at half the price. You will use twice as much and you will have to clean up larger amounts of waste in your yard. To allow for an accurate control of body weight and growth rate, this amount of food can be dispensed over 3 meals per day. After 5 months of age, the feeding regularity can be reduced to two meals per day with the commensurate increase in food quantity. The amount of food a Labrador puppy requires will increase then level out during first 14 months of their life. At months, their bone density is increasing and their growth plates are set. We do not recommend desexing you pup until at least 3 years of age. This allows for an appropriate development and supply of hormone which in turn produces proper bone, muscle and vital organ development. Table foods dispensed randomly to dogs are not nutritionally balanced. We do not offer our dogs table food at all. There will be no problems if you are feeding a puppy with a homemade diet but it should be prepared from prescribed recipes that are nutritionally complete and balanced. Diets consisting of an unplanned and indiscriminate mixture of human foods particularly including carbohydrates will likely result in obesity and even dietary-induced disease. When you Lab reaches 14months of age, it should be given an adult food that contains less energy and calcium. This will decrease the risk of obesity and orthopaedic conditions. And do not feed them coffee or tea as they can contain caffeine, theobromine, and theophylline. These toxic substances can dangerously affect the heart and nervous system. Onions, garlic, raisins and grapes can be severely toxic in labradors. Raw meat is potential source of parasites and pathogenic bacteria for your puppy. Eggs yokes are an excellent source of protein. Raw eggs contain an enzyme called avidin, which decreases the absorption of biotin a B vitamin. This can, in extreme cease, lead to skin and coat problems. Liver contains higher levels of protein, fats, carbohydrates, minerals and vitamins. Raw liver can be a source of parasites and pathogenic bacteria. Excessive amounts of liver can cause Vitamin A toxicity. Raw bone chewing will control tartar buildup on a pups teeth. However, bone chewing can cause intestinal blockages and perforations. Never use cooked bones. Commercial Puppy Foods Most commercial puppy foods are designated for small, medium, large and giant breeds. This designation can be found on the label. Puppies of medium sized breeds are less than '25 kg fully grown adult body weight'. A full grown and lean Labrador will usually weigh between 25kg and 45kg. We feed our dogs at the 'lower' level of the recommended range. The 'Hills Body Fat Index' is a very helpful body shape indicator. The same food as the bitch You should feed your new puppy with the same brand of food as the bitch received during lactation. From 2 weeks into pregnancy, our expectant mothers are fed 'Royal Canin Labrador Puppy' food. Introducing a new brand of food If you are wanting to introduce a new brand of food to your puppy, then blend it gradually with the existing brand in increasing amounts over 3 days. This should prevent food rejection and any kind of gastric upset. It is best to choose a diet designed for large breed puppies. Selected commercial feeds should contain a limited percentage of filler compounds. Pawlinglabs uses Royal Canin Labrador as our preferred option. Growing labradors Labrador pups have a very steep growth curve, and their total daily energy needs do increase as they grow. Calculate the amount of puppy food that will satisfy that need. The feeding guidelines on the commercial pet food label provides an estimated quantity of feed for several different ranges in body size. These instructions will give you an estimated starting point for the particular brand. Medium or large? Medium breeds should be transitioned to an adult diet by 12 months of age, while large breeds between 14 — 18 months of age. Mature female labradors are medium and weight approx kg. Mature males are large and weight approx kg. Their calcium and energy content should not exceed that level recommended by a registered nutritionalist. Sound skeletal development Sound skeletal development in labradors is produced by the interaction of genetic, environmental, and nutritional factors. The phase prior to weaning and the growth phase, up to 14 months are integral to sound skeletal structure. Don't take your young pup on extended distance walks and certainly not 'running' until at least 18mths of age. You must avoid stairs and slippery floors for the same reasons. Their growth plates are set at about mths of age. Feeding and Overfeeding Large breeds like Labradors are the most susceptible to skeletal disease. Feed consumption, nutrients balance and feeding methods influence our ability to produce sound skeletal development and eliminate skeletal disease. Appropriate food consumption and nutrition plays a critical role in bone development. Overfeeding will not increase or benefit the growth rate of young and growing labrador puppies. And it does not correlate with optimal adult size. However, it does increase the risk of skeletal abnormalities. The vast majority of skeletal disorders occur in large breeds including labradors and they are associated with consumption of table food and an excessive intake of a commercial food and supplementation. The large breeds like labradors are limited in their ability to cope with an excess of minerals such as calcium. The result of this over consumption is abnormal bone development and skeletal disorders. Nutritional management will be critical in the to prevention of bone and joint diseases. In most cases, skeletal disease can prevented by appropriate quantities of feed in a regulated diet with optimal nutrient levels. A complete and balanced commercial diet is essential. Dietary deficiencies will be of little concern if your labrador pup is fed with a complete and balanced commercial diet. Brands like Eukanuba and Royal Canin are specifically formulated for young, growing labradors. There is real potential for harm by over feeding and giving additional supplementation. Housing safety and activity levels Housing safety and activity levels are under the your influence. Nutrition is also under your control and it is the single most important factor affecting the development of the musculoskeletal system. Energy, protein, and calcium are the critical nutritional components affecting skeletal development. However, if they are given in excess, they will be detrimental to normal bone and joint growth. Most pet owners feed commercial dog food. These prepared diets are balanced and complete. Pawling Chocolate and Black Labradors. The source of protein matters when considering a high-quality diet. FATS The rest of the diet should be made up of fats, carbs, and vitamins. Labs need to have a correct protein -to-fat ratio, where protein takes the lead. Dogs tend to convert fat into glucose, so this is an important source of energy. Dogs rely mostly on protein and fats, but carbs are necessary. That said, a low carb diet is best for puppies. However, you still need the right percentage of carbs, since this gives your dog the sensation of being full. These include starches, fibers, and sugars. Try to opt for more complex carbs like starchy grain and veggies because these are easier to digest. Your Lab puppy will thrive when his or her diet includes: Vitamin B12 especially during puppy development , Vitamins A and E, C, Vitamin D, phosphorus, and calcium, Potassium Each of these required vitamins and minerals contributes to a healthy, happy, and energetic puppy. They also help offset issues like obesity. Vitamins A and E are important because they help your dog burn calories and promote eye and skin health. Vitamin D, calcium, and phosphorus, on the other hand, are part of a trifecta that works to strengthen teeth and bones. Potassium is a heart health-preserver. Labs with poor genetics are especially prone to orthopedic issues. Osteoarthritis and hip dysplasia are common health problems for this breed. Glucosamine, an amino-sugar, together with chondroitin sulfate, helps replace and support naturally degrading cartilage during old age. Recently,"grain-free" foods are being championed as a preferred and even high-quality form of dog food. That's, not the whole story. An investigation launched by the FDA revealed that there are potential links between a form of canine heart disease and grain-free foods. So far, researchers have provided an update to this researchers have provided an update to this research staring that the issue may not just be grain-free diets. Grain-free may be part of other trends knows as "BEG"- boutique companies. Puppy diets don't' need to be complicated. They also don't need to include ingredients that humans might enjoy. Enjoyment doesn't necessarily bring any nutritional value to your puppy's development. Keep it simple, using the guidelines for fats, proteins, and carbs above and don't shy away from food with grains in them. It's not their presence that's a problem it's often the ratio. There shouldn't be more carbs or grains than protein. Nor does including only legumes, seeds, lentils, or chickpeas as the primary ingredients make the food more superior. It's perfectly healthy to include complex carb sources like starchy rice and other grains. Grain-free isn't and shouldn't be a qualifying factor for your choice in puppy food. Feeding Your Puppy Kibble Kibble is dried, pelleted food that stores well is easy to eat, and is pre-formulated with everything your puppy needs to thrive and grow in his early developmental months. There are plenty of popular brands that don't measure up to the Snowy Pines standard. That's why it's so vital for you to learn how to read puppy food labels. Puppies should stick with "puppy stage" food, while adults should stick to bags marked "adults. Instead, your dog should have regular bowel movements, allowing them to absorb all the nutrients available. You should also keep in mind that caloric intake is calculated a little differently for puppies. Kibble diets are measured by how many calories the proteins, fats, and carbs represent for each gram. For puppies, this should be 3. Sticking to these ratios will help ensure your kibble choice is a healthy one. It's also important to note that kibble calories are often higher when compared to wet food. If it's high-quality wet food, it won't have as much fat to preserve it, which means fewer calories. You may have to supplement with dry food, especially if you're trying to keep the calories of carbs, proteins, and fats in the right per-gram ratio. How often and what time to feed I will show you the best puppy foods, whether dry, wet, or raw, and look at food safety, together with schedules, quantities and even a handy puppy diet chart. Best Puppy Food for Labs The best Labrador puppy food provides a diet that is nutritious, healthy, and tasty. So, what is the best puppy food for your Lab? Puppy kibble or dried food is the most popular option. Kibble is complete and can give a perfectly balanced diet. Puppy kibble and tinned dog meat combined is another common choice among puppy parents. Feeding your Labrador puppy on home cooked food or on a totally raw diet is also possible. Raw puppy food is growing in popularity, and there are pros and cons to raw feeding your puppy. People often feel very strongly that one way of feeding is better than another, and you can always find evidence to support your view. Dog breeders, veterinarians and even nutritionists have their own strong views. The dire consequences they list for not listening to them can have puppy owners very worried. The truth is that there is no good quality evidence showing that kibble is better for the long term health of your dog, or that raw feeding is better. There are risks and benefits to both, and the main thing is to ensure that your dog has good quality food to eat. Puppy kibble suits some better, and raw puppy food is better for others. Puppy Kibble for your Labrador Puppy food made into pellets is called kibble. An airtight plastic container or tin will do the job, although you should make sure it is food grade quality. Puppy kibble is the best way of feeding your Labrador according to most breeders and your veterinarian is most likely to support this method of feeding. Good puppy kibble will contain every nutrient your Labrador puppy needs in order to grow and remain healthy. The kibble pieces will be tasty, good for keeping teeth healthy, and free from additives that can provoke allergies or stomach problems. Labrador puppy kibble only needs to be fed next to water. Puppy kibble from a reputable manufacturer is intended to be a complete and balanced food. But some owners like to mix in canned dog food or even scraps of raw food with kibble. Your puppy is likely to get an upset stomach or to not have the right balance of nutrition when fed this way. Whether you decide to feed only with kibble or you want to mix it up, pick a good dried food manufacturer and stick with them. Feeding your Labrador puppy raw food has its benefits and drawbacks. One of the downsides is that there is a lot to learn. Here is a link to the articles you need to help you decide whether or not raw feeding is for you: Although I like the raw diet for my dogs, most puppies fed kibble go on to have long and healthy lives. Whatever puppy food you choose, the most important thing is portion control. How Much to Feed your Labrador Puppy? People often tell me how much their puppy weighs, and ask how much puppy food they should give him. Your Labrador is particularly at risk if they grow too quickly. The following diet chart is for kibble fed puppies and does not apply to raw fed pups. It gives you an idea of how much to feed your Labrador puppy Lab Puppy Feeding Chart The Lab puppy feeding chart below is only a very rough guide. The quantity of food you need for your puppy will vary depending on your puppy and on the brand of food you are feeding him. Labrador puppy food must be aimed at medium to large breed dogs. Check the pack carefully and look at the dietary charts. Ideally, you want the optimal protein content and the lowest amount of additives. Part of this always comes down to the cost. The healthiest puppy food is usually the most expensive and may not be affordable for some families. The Cost Of Puppy Food Some puppy food brands are more concentrated than and contain a higher proportion of proteins, essential oils, and other nutrients. The absence of these fillers means that you can often feed lower quantities of more costly food, making them less expensive than they first seem. You might also find that cheaper brands make your puppy poop more due to those extra fillers going straight through him. While some brands are beyond the budget of many families, it is usually good to buy a premium brand. High Quality Brands of Puppy Food Some brands of puppy food have developed a reputation for producing a high quality product and have many devoted supporters, including breeders that have fed them to generations of puppies. Although I am not a veterinarian myself, I have been a lab owner for 11 years and been in the pet food industry for the last 6 years. However, if this is not the case for your pupper, no need to worry. Be sure not to feed normal cerelac or cow milk as that will result in loose motion as well as stunted growth. At this tender age, you need to feed your lab pup via feeding bottle like you would feed a human baby of age 2 months. Milk is the only food apart from purified water which your dog is gonna need till 1. After this age, till 3 months you have two options. You can either continue with milk or look at starter food options like Royal Canin Maxi starter , Drools starter, Farmina Puppy Starter, Canine Creek Starter , Orijen puppy and plenty of other brands which are available in the market. The kibble for starter food is small and most probably, your puppy will be able to chew it. Certain dry food can be extremely hard to chew, so depending on the toughness of the kibble you might have to break i. Puppies of age 1. You should be following this diet of starter food till 3 months age at least. Also, make sure you are vaccinating as well as deworming your pup at the right intervals. So, a proper nutritious diet is essential to achieve good growth. You can either go for Royal Canin Maxi Junior or Royal Canin Labrador Junior or puppy variants of other brands like drools, canine creek, Orijen Puppy and Junior Recommended , Acana large breed puppy, pedigree not recommended at this age. If you are giving a good diet like Royal Canin, farmina or even home-made food, growth should be good. For those who can extend their budget, you can go for something even more premium like Acana, Orijen, Arden Grange and the likes. No need to add additional supplements. If you are feeding home-made food like boiled chicken which itself is a very good food option, consider adding some fish oils like Beaphar Salmon Oil. However, a good diet is recommended to ensure a good life span above 12 years and muscle development. Homemade food can be a healthy option as well. Feeding guide amount to feed in grams depends on dog weight and varies from brand to brand. You will find the recommended portion for your brand based on the calories it carries on the packet you will buy. At other times, you can give chews or treats but whole meal should be fed not more than twice a day. Do not keep food available in front of the dog except during his eating time. However, you can keep water available in a bowl all the time. Sticking to schedule regularly is recommended. Wait, till now we have been speaking about commercial dry food. Yes, this happens to many dogs. While some dogs like pugs are voracious eaters, labs or goldens can be extremely choosy. They will eat whatever liquid you put in the feeding bottle at this age. However, once puppies mature and learn to eat themselves, they may not like dry food, rarely touch it. In these cases, the best option is to first add a home-made additive with the dry food. You may add many things dog like in small quantities of chicken stalk, chicken pieces boneless for puppies , curd, egg and others to the dry food. Changing or trying out another brand helps as well. I have seen many dogs who hate Drools but like Canine Creek although they are manufactured by same company. Every dog has a mind of his own. Most common diseases of Indian bred dogs like canine hyp dysplasia, ear infections, bent hind legs can happen to any dog. Take your dog to a registered veterinary practitioner in case such situations arise. Lack of appetite is also observed during this age at times. For not-so-severe cases, you may administer Himalaya Liv52 syrup or tabs or other appetite stimulants of various brands twice a day for days. In case, your dog has gastrointestinal disorders, referring to a prescription diet under the guidance of a veterinarian can be immensely helpful. This entry was posted in Pet Blog. Bookmark the permalink. The best food for Labrador puppies to consume in their first two to four months of life is milk from their mother. This specialised care is usually left to trained breeders or veterinarians, who are knowledgeable in caring for pups with no mother to nurse from. If you have recently brought a Labrador puppy into your family, they are most likely older than 8 weeks, and so have started to eat solid foods. You can do this by mixing some dry food with specially formulated puppy milk to form a soft mixture. You can feed your puppy this mixture three to four times a day. Over time, you can reduce the amount of milk you include in this mixture, until they are at the point where they are happily eating dry foods. Read on to learn how much you should feed a Labrador puppy as they get older. In their four months living with you, and once they are weaned off milk, Labradors are likely to reach almost half their adult weight. They will reach their full adult weight by the time they are 6 to 7 months old. With this rapid growth can come some risks. Labradors can be susceptible to bone growth disorders, like hip dysplasia and joint abnormalities that can start in puppyhood. Once your Lab puppy hits 6 months, their growth begins to slow down. Once puppyhood is over, you can move to feeding your lab twice a day instead of 3 or 4 times. Labs are still very active in their adolescent years, and so should be fed with this in mind. The transition from puppy food to adult food should happen at around 15 months. This is because, being a breed who grows very quickly, you want to ensure that you are feeding them according to their large breed needs. You need to take special care when considering what you should feed your Labrador puppy, as they require different nutrients compared to their adult counterparts. It is also dangerous for a puppy to overeat. Labradors are large breeds, which means they need plenty of nutrients and calories as they grow to ensure they go from being active puppies to healthy adult dogs. Labrador puppies need to eat food that is high in proteins and fats. Carbohydrates are also essential for supporting your active pup. Aside from nutritionally complete dry puppy food, Labrador puppies can benefit from the extra protein that raw meat can provide them with, such as lean beef, turkey, chicken, or fish. The amount of food you give your Labrador is determined by their weight, energy levels, and age. For most adult Labradors, around 1, to 2, calories per day from high quality food sources is ideal. Female Labradors, who tend to be around 5 to 10 kilos lighter than males, may need less food, as will less active dogs. Dogs who need less food, whether they are less active or simply older, will usually still need around 1, to 1, calories per day. You may want to alter the amount of food you are feeding your Labrador based on how calorically dense their food is. Adult Labradors should be fed twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. Their daily allotment of food should be split evenly between these two meals. For most dogs, it is recommended that you exercise your dog before meal times to assist with potty training. However, some dogs may benefit from exercise after eating: especially high energy Labs with a lot of energy to burn off. You should also try to give your Labrador a high quality food that is specially designed for large breeds, especially if they are very active. For example, less active senior dogs will need to eat less food as they will not be burning calories as quickly as a lively little puppy will. Senior dogs may benefit from a higher fibre and lower calorie diet. Your dog may also develop chronic or short term medical conditions that require specially formulated food. For example, Labradors can be particularly susceptible to obesity. As a breed, they tend to be one of the most commonly obese dogs in Australia. This is due to several factors, including a genetic predisposition to unhealthy weight gain and a famously large appetite. However, plenty of Labs suffering from obesity are simply overfed and not getting enough exercise. Choosing a low carb diet is crucial to preventing obesity in your Labrador. If you are unsure about what you should feed your Labrador, you should always consult your vet. They will be able to determine if your dog is suffering from any chronic health issues, and they will be able to create a nutritional plan to help keep your dog healthy and happy for many years to come. Wet food for Labradors is often high in protein and fat, and is better at keeping your dog hydrated than other food sources. Chewing on dry food can be especially good for teething Labrador puppies. A raw diet can be a good option for your Labrador as you have more control over the kinds of food and amount of nutrients your pup is consuming. For this reason, raw diets require a lot more work on your part as an owner. Whatever you decide to feed your Labrador, all dogs need a similar ratio of nutrients in their diets. Different dog breeds will need different kinds of nutrient support as they go through the various stages of their life. It can also be easy to overestimate the amount of food your Labrador needs to stay fit and healthy — especially if they are skilled at begging! You need to make sure that your dog is eating the right amount of food for their breed, their size, and activity level. You should also avoid foods that, while delicious for humans, can be harmful or toxic for dogs. Foods like onions, nuts, alcohol, cooked bones, and artificial sweeteners are commonly included in dinners meant for humans, but can cause serious health issues for your Labrador. No matter how old your Lab is, it is important to keep to a consistent feeding schedule. A feeding schedule can help you keep track of any changes in behaviour around food that might signal illness or physiological stress.
Use tab to navigate through the menu items. We have two beautiful girls still looking for their forever home. My husband and I fell in love with Golden Retrievers in .Our first daughter was five years old and after much research we decided to bring home a puppy. What we did not realize at the time was the unconditional, everlasting love and dedication we were going to experience. We had two more children and brought home another Golden puppy. I can't imagine having raised our children and grand children without our Golden Girls playing with, loving and watching over them. Our Golden Retrievers possess a calm, gentle, and very intuitive disposition. They adore children, people in general and truly live to love and be loved. We are not a kennel. Our girls and their puppies share our home with us and are held and loved from birth. We welcome new families to come visit, take pictures, and get ready for their new fur baby. Each of our Golden Girls and the Studs used for breeding are checked for genetic defects just as their grandparents, great grand parents and all previous generations. Our puppies come from extensive generations of Championship Lineage. Pedigree and Health Certifications presented and time of visit. We breed according to the standard of the Golden Retriever Club of America. We provide our puppies with a Comprehensive Health Examination, their first vaccination and de-worming before they go home with their new families at the age of 8 weeks. Breeders VS. The sad truth is that many pet store purchased pups actually come from puppy mills. Basically, there is zero authenticity with pet stores. When it comes to adopting any animal from a pet store, there is an increased risk of unforeseen health or genetic problems. You also cultivate a life-long relationship with the breeder, meaning support is available to you anytime you may need it. With My Golden Retriever Puppies, you have the option to come and visit both the puppy and the breeder in person! Golden Retrievers are an adaptable breed, meaning they are better at adapting to seasonal changes and various types of climate than certain other breeds. Goldens sport a double-coat, which ensures that these sweet pups are able to tolerate slightly colder temperatures than their friends from other breeds. Your pup deserves better than that, which is why here at My Golden Retriever Puppies, we ensure high-quality care is taken of your pet at all times. We even have all types of golden retrievers for sale! At My Golden Retriever Puppies, we pride ourselves on our golden retriever price being fair and affordable for high quality puppies. Location Information for Pennsylvania Customers Our home office is located in Ohio, but we understand that long-distance travel can be inconvenient. If you prefer to meet a breeder in person, they may be able to offer private visits at their home. Of course! Here at My Golden Retriever Puppies, we value family and authenticity, which is why we always guarantee our pups through our 2-year genetic health guarantee. Like adopting a Golden Retriever from a pet store, there is an increased risk when adopting a pup from a rescue center or shelter as well. For example, pups purchased through a shelter or rescue center are far less likely to come with the kinds of health guarantees and reassurances that a breeder can provide. What type of Golden Retrievers are sold in Pennsylvania? We have some good news! Ready to make your Golden Retriever dreams come true? Take a look at our convenient list of our golden retriever puppies for sale. How do I know which breeders to trust in Pennsylvania? Our independent network of trusted breeders have already been pre-screened and verified, so that you can focus on what really matters: choosing your dream puppy. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. I have combined the two for easier navigation of all of my services and breeding program. I welcome you to my home on the internet and encourage you to browse around to see all that I have to offer. My name is Chrissy Harp, I have been in business for 18 years now. I want everyone that purchases a golden to have the same great experience of owning a well mannered, healthy, lovable puppy as I have. Everyone should own a golden retriever once in their lives, there is nothing like it!! My line has been in our family for 26 years, so I know the health history and it speaks for itself. I stand behind every puppy with a 2 year health guarantee. My whole mission behind spending all this time and money finding the perfect breed able dogs, is so an average family can have a high quality, healthy pet. As it becomes available, I will post information about my puppies as well as dogs that I have available for sale. You may sign up for my email newsletter. I try to send one out when I have a litter expected, a dog that is trained and ready to be placed, a possible therapy dog, a retired dog needing a retirement home, or if something is new. Additional photos are always available. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me by e-mail at puppies opkgoldens. Our goldens are the central part of our lives and my husband and I strive to breed to correct golden retriever standards making health, and temperament our number one priority for all future puppies. I have been involved in golden retrievers for 35 years, getting my start from a wonderful friend, who taught me so much about the breed. My first golden retriever was purchased back in and from that point I was hooked. We continue to have wonderful healthy golden retriever puppies for families to love for many years. At Sunbolyn Golden Retrievers we have a limited breeding program so there will be a wait for a puppy. You can visit the planned litter page for information on upcoming litters of puppies. My litters are very well planned with the first two concerns being health and temperament. I want to create the next generation of puppies to be wonderful companion dogs for loving families for years to come. I take months planning a breeding, taking every concern into consideration before picking my stud dog. I want to continue to keep true to the golden retriever standards, breeding puppies that have health, excellent temperaments and the ability to be used multipurpose in areas such as agility , obedience, field work and conformation rings, but most of all being a great family pet!!! Please enjoy our new web page Sunbolyn Golden Retrievers and contact us by going to the page with our contact information with any questions you may have. I always love talking about my dogs and sharing with people my love and passion of the breed. Thank You for stopping by!! Kim and Rick Kelley. Life Span Did You Know? The Golden Retriever has been an AKC-recognized breed since and was commonly used as a gun dog and for retrieving small game such as waterfowl, and for companionship. The Golden Retriever originated in the Scottish Highlands. The first Lord Tweedmouth, Dudley Majoribanks, is credited with developing the breed and keeping detailed records to create the ideal gun dog for the terrain. Great discipline and a gentle spirit make the Golden Retriever a perfect retrieval breed since the goal of this task is to bring the trophy back as undamaged as possible. Golden Retrievers first appeared in dog shows in at a British dog show. They also started appearing in the United States around the same time as they were brought across the Canadian border. They gained popularity with sport hunters and in general. Their popularity really took off in the s and they are consistently one of the most popular dog breeds. If you are not the sporting type, bringing a Golden Retriever into your family as a pet is just as rewarding because they are one of the most loyal and jovial breeds out there. One of the facts about Golden Retrievers is that they are the epitome of friendly and make fantastic family dogs. Golden Retrievers are considered one of the friendliest dog breeds. They tend to be good with kids, other dogs, other pets, and even strangers. Goldens love attention and they bond closely with their families. They are affectionate with them, and also just about everyone else. Although they do tend to get along with everyone, they love being around their favorite humans the most. They will bark to alert you and can end up barking a lot if you do not train your dog to stop barking early on. Golden Retrievers are highly adaptable dogs. They thrive in homes with yards where they can run. They can also adapt to apartment living as long as they get enough daily exercise, mental stimulation, and attention. These dogs do well in just about any climate, but are sensitive to heat. As one of the most affectionate dog breeds , they are not at all happy about being left alone for long periods of time. Although super-friendly and attention-loving, Goldens can also be sensitive to their surroundings; make sure they feel included, but have a quiet place to go if things get too noisy or overwhelming. Potential health concerns to be aware of in a Golden Retriever include progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, elbow dysplasia , and hip dysplasia. Good breeding practices make a big difference in the health of puppies. Reputable breeders screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. So, make sure you ask about the health and genetic history of the parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done. Goldens are considered one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners. They are highly trainable dogs that pick up on things quickly and are eager to please. These traits make them a good fit for owners of all experience levels. It also helps them excel at obedience competitions. As one of the smartest dog breeds , Golden Retrievers can get bored easily. Because they pick up things quickly, they can get bored with too much repetition in training. If your dog has mastered the command, move on to something more advanced or another activity. You can also enroll in puppy training classes for some variety in training and also some socialization. Golden Retrievers have a long double coat that will shed a little year-round and will be heavier twice a year as the seasons change. Brushing a few times a week and daily brushing during seasonal shedding along with a bath as needed is usually enough for at-home care. You will want to go to the dog groomer for a professional trim a few times a year, especially as the seasons change. Nail trims once or twice monthly keep nails from growing too long. Daily tooth brushing, along with cleanings at the vet when needed, is ideal. Golden Retrievers are one of the most active dog breeds. Daily walks plus some playtime, time to run, and other activities are usually enough to keep these dogs happy and healthy. But, they are high-energy dogs that will likely always be up for more activity if you are. Much like the Labrador , they also tend to have an extended puppyhood. They tend to start winding down a little around the age of 3 and settle into your lifestyle, but they will still be high-energy dogs that require a lot of daily activity. Goldens are known for being versatile and athletic dogs. They tend to love swimming. Once they are done growing and the vet clears them for higher-impact activities, you can try other things too. They are one of the dog breeds that make good running partners. You can also teach them how to play frisbee or play fetch. Training for dog sports is another good option. In addition to obedience, Golden Retrievers are well suited for agility, dock diving , rally, flyball, tracking, and more. Fully-grown Golden Retrievers usually stand inches tall and weigh pounds. Golden Retrievers generally live for years on average. With their intelligence, eagerness to please, and gentle disposition, Golden Retrievers are versatile working dogs. In addition to being one of the dog breeds that make the best service dogs , Goldens can be found working as emotional support dogs, certified therapy dogs, search and rescue dogs, military dogs, police dogs, animal actors, and more. Featured Golden Retriever Article.
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Pinterest Email In the world of hybrid dogs, where unique crossbreeds continue to capture our imagination, one particular mix stands out as truly captivating and remarkable—the Wolf Golden Retriever mix. This intriguing combination brings together the best of both worlds, fusing the loyal and friendly nature of the Golden Retriever with the untamed beauty and intelligence of the Wolf. In this blog post, we embark on a journey to explore the enchanting characteristics, specialized care requirements, and important considerations of owning a Wolf Golden Retriever mix. By shedding light on the reasons behind its rising popularity among dog enthusiasts, we hope to unveil the allure of this extraordinary hybrid breed. Understanding the Wolf Golden Retriever Mix Origins and Development: Hybrid dogs, also known as designer dogs, are the result of intentionally crossbreeding two different purebred dog breeds. The Wolf Golden Retriever mix, also called the Wolfdog Retriever, emerged as a captivating hybrid, combining the striking traits of the Golden Retriever and the wild allure of the Wolf. The purpose behind breeding these two breeds together varies among breeders. Some aim to create a dog with the striking appearance and intelligence of a Wolf while maintaining the friendly and loyal temperament of the Golden Retriever. Regardless of the specific intentions, the Wolf Golden Retriever mix embodies the desire to create a unique and exceptional canine companion. Appearance and Physical Attributes: The physical appearance of a Wolf Golden Retriever mix can vary due to the genetic diversity within each parent breed. However, there are common characteristics and unique physical features that define this hybrid breed. You may like: Golden retriever cavalier mix. In terms of size wolf golden retriever mixes generally range from medium to large with males typically being larger than females their body structure often exhibits a strong and muscular build reflecting both the retriever s athleticism and the wolf s natural grace. One notable feature is their captivating eyes, which often display a blend of colors, ranging from amber to hazel or even blue. Their ears can be erect or slightly droopy, resembling those of their Golden Retriever parent. Coat colors vary widely, influenced by the diversity within each parent breed. You may encounter Wolf Golden Retrievers with coat colors such as golden, black, gray, or a combination of these shades. Their coat length can be medium to long, featuring a dense double coat that provides insulation and protection in various weather conditions. It s important to note that individual wolf golden retriever mixes may exhibit different physical attributes as the genetic combination between the two breeds can result in a wide range of appearances. You may like: Sheepdog golden retriever mix. Caring for a Wolf Golden Retriever Mix Exercise and Mental Stimulation: The Wolf Golden Retriever mix is a high-energy hybrid that requires regular exercise to maintain their physical and mental well-being. Engaging in activities that provide both physical exertion and mental stimulation is essential to prevent boredom and promote a healthy lifestyle. Long walks or runs are excellent forms of exercise for this hybrid breed. They not only help burn off excess energy but also provide an opportunity for exploration and mental stimulation. Consider incorporating interactive play sessions, such as fetch or hide-and-seek, to keep them mentally engaged and satisfied. Additionally, puzzle toys and interactive feeding devices can be beneficial for stimulating their problem-solving skills. These toys provide mental challenges while rewarding them with treats or food as they figure out how to access their meals. You may like: Airedale golden retriever mix. Grooming Requirements: The grooming needs of a Wolf Golden Retriever mix can vary based on the coat type inherited from their parents. Here are some general guidelines to consider: Coat Care: If your Wolf Golden Retriever mix inherits the longer coat of a Golden Retriever, regular brushing is crucial to prevent matting and keep their fur healthy. Brushing at least two to three times a week helps remove loose hair and distribute natural oils. For those with a shorter coat, brushing once a week is typically sufficient. Bathing: it is recommended to bathe your hybrid dog as needed typically every 4 6 weeks or when they become dirty or develop a noticeable odor use a mild dog shampoo to avoid drying out their skin be sure to thoroughly dry their coat to prevent dampness which can lead to skin irritations. Regular brushing not only helps control shedding but also keeps their coat in good condition. Consider using a de-shedding tool or slicker brush to remove loose hair effectively. Ear and Dental Care: Regularly check and clean their ears to prevent wax buildup and ear infections. Dental hygiene is also crucial, so introduce tooth brushing early on and provide dental chews or toys to help maintain their oral health. You may like: Dog that looks like golden retriever. Expose them to a wide range of people, animals, and environments from a young age to help them develop positive behaviors and adaptability. Proper socialization can reduce the likelihood of fear or aggression towards other dogs or unfamiliar situations. Supervise interactions with other dogs and ensure they are introduced in a controlled and positive manner. You may like: Bichon golden retriever mix. Legal and Ethical Considerations: The ownership of Wolf hybrids, including the Wolf Golden Retriever mix, can be subject to legal restrictions and regulations. Ensure that you comply with all legal requirements and obtain any necessary permits or licenses to avoid legal issues and ensure the well-being of your pet. Moreover, responsible ownership is crucial for the welfare of any dog, including hybrids. This includes providing a suitable living environment, proper training and socialization, regular veterinary care, and meeting their physical and emotional needs. Always prioritize the ethical treatment and responsible care of your Wolf Golden Retriever mix, respecting both the individual needs of the hybrid and the well-being of the breed as a whole. You may like: Golden retriever pointer mix. Conclusion: In conclusion, the wolf golden retriever mix is a captivating and intriguing hybrid breed that combines the best traits of two remarkable breeds with their unique appearance loyal companionship and high intelligence they make for an extraordinary addition to the right family however it s crucial to be aware of the challenges and considerations associated with owning this hybrid if you re prepared to provide the necessary care training and socialization the wolf golden retriever mix can reward you with a lifelong bond and a truly one of a kind companion. I grew up on a farm where we had all sorts of animals, from cows and horses to pigs and chickens. My love for animals led me to pursue a career in writing about them. I have been a pet care writer for over 5 years and have extensive knowledge of animal care, health, and behavior. Learn more. Wolf hybrid dogs are produced by crossbreeding a wolf with a wide range of purebred dogs, including huskies, German shepherds, Akitas, and Alaskan Malamutes among others. However, blending wild wolf genes with domestic dog genes often results in an assortment of temperaments and instincts. While the domestic dog genes are believed to dilute the innate wolf behaviors, these dogs still possess the instincts of wild animals. In fact, there are reports of escaped wolf-hybrid dogs killing small pets and threatening human life in the US and UK, renewing concerns of whether these hybrids should continue to be bred or kept as pets. They are not bad companions though. When they are rigorously trained and socialized, wolf-dog hybrids make protective and loyal companions. They are also strong, smart, playful, and very affectionate towards the family. Like other controversial dog breeds, however, wolf-dog hybrids are not perfect pets for everyone. You should be ready to manage any kind of trouble that comes with these dogs. Plus, you should know the best mixes to own. Before, I highlight some of the most popular wolf dog hybrid breeds that can make great companions, let me first take you through a few facts about these dogs so that you can have a rough idea of what to expect when you decide to own a wolf-dog hybrid. Top Facts about Wolf Dog Mixes In terms of physical characteristics, wolf-dogs tend to have smaller skulls than typical wolves, pointed ears, and brown almond-shaped eyes. Since a wolf is a natural predator, wolf-dogs have a strong prey drive. They will tend to chase anything that moves. They are prone to howling as this is the most common way wolves communicate in packs. The hybrids will howl when left alone for extended periods. Although wolf-dog hybrids may relatively be gentle when they are young, as they grow, they will start showing a lot of wolf-like behaviors. Wolf-dog hybrids are illegal in many states. So, confirm with authorities if they are allowed in your area before keeping one. You should also note that if you were to lose your wolf hybrid and he ends in a local shelter, you might find it hard to get your furry friend back. Most wolf hybrids are destructive in nature. So, leaving them unsupervised for an extended period might encourage them to get into mischief. Socializing and training these dog breeds might not be easy and need somebody who is patient and consistent. You can also get a wolf husky by breeding an arctic wolf with Alaska husky. They are a bit shy but have strong prey and pack drive. However, they make loyal pets when thoroughly trained and socialized from the puppy stage. Considering that their wolf parents stay in packs and often try to assert dominance when you show inferiority or weakness, the temperament of a husky wolf mix can be unpredictable. However, if you have kids and decide to keep this mix, you should be extra careful. Additionally, it may not be safe to put your husky wolf mix in the same house with smaller pets like cats and hamsters due to their strong prey drive. Lastly, since husky wolf mixes are extremely intelligent, they need a lot of exercises and mental stimulation. German Shepherded Wolf Hybrid or Wolfshepherd Since a German shepherd already resembles a wolf, expect this hybrid to be large, with pointed ears, long face, and a thick coat. They weigh between 50 and lbs depending on their age, sex, and genetics and stand between 20 and 26 inches tall. The mix often grows to be a friendly breed that is attached to his owner and adapts well to playtime. When well socialized, they can also adapt well to other pets that reside in the same house. Still, it is not advisable to leave a Wolfshepherd with small pets like cats, rabbits, or hamsters due to their strong prey drive. They may also become curious and try to escape when they have an opportunity, so ensure that your backyard is secured. However, aggressiveness and the desire to escape can be avoided with socialization from an early age. Wolf Labrador Retriever Mix Labradors are intelligent, playful, and loyal with warm and friendly temperaments. They also do well as part of the family and get on well with other pets, children, and even strangers. Labs are also known to be rewarding dogs that are not only energetic and placid but can also cope up with the hustle and bustle of city life. On the other hand, wolves are reserved, territorial, always wary of strangers, and resistant to domestic life. Put simply, with a wolf lab mix, it can be difficult to predict the temperament, personality, or behavior that you may get. Akita Wolf Hybrid A crossbreed between an Akita dog with a wolf, this mix has a dominant and predatory nature. Like other wolf hybrids, Akita wolf mixes are intelligent and full of energy. However, they get bored fast, making it a bit difficult to train them. They are a bit aggressive and may challenge the owner for dominance if not trained well. They are also possessive eaters and tend to create a lot of conflicts with other pets, especially in a multi-pet household. One of the oldest domesticated wolf-hybrid dogs, it is playful, sweet, and makes a wonderful companion. However, it can be extremely stubborn and skittish. In terms of physical characteristics, the mix inherits most features from his parents. They are large breeds with long faces and pointed ears. Like their Alaskan malamute parents, they are affectionate towards their owners though they may be aggressive towards strangers. However, they seldom warn owners about the presence of intruders, making them poor watchdogs. They can bark loudly and become destructive when left alone for long. Those with mid and high wolf content also tend to dig and chew a lot. Lastly, due to their hunting instincts, it is not advisable to leave them alone with young children and other smaller pets. We will update their behaviors and personalities as we continue to interview breeders and people who have owned them. Great Dane Wolf Hybrid. Both of these dogs can be friendly but personalities differ, so you never know. The Golden Retriever is known for being friendly, reliable, and intelligent. All dogs need proper socialization and that will be a big factor in how they interact with others. What does this mixed breed look and act like? Is it more like the Golden Retriever or the Wolf? Those are the questions we will try and answer below. Continue reading below to see pictures, videos, and learn more about the beautiful Golden Retriever Wolf Mix. While we really recommend that you acquire all animals through a rescue, we understand that some people might go through a breeder to get their Golden Retriever Wolf Mix puppy. That is, if they have any Golden Retriever Wolf Mix puppies for sale. If you are interested in helping animal rescues raise money, please play our quiz. Each correct answer donates to help feed shelter animals. We will take a closer look at the history of both parent breeds below. If you are looking at breeders for new, designer dogs please beware of Puppy Mills. If you have a few minutes, please sign our petition to stop puppy mills. Like many people of his era, he spent a lot of time trying to perfect different breeds. In fact this guy spent a great deal of his life breeding all kinds of different dogs to get various breeds. He was an avid waterfowl hunter so with the Golden Retriever he was looking for a strong, avid hunter but also a dog that was even-tempered in the home. Through various iterations and the breeding of many different breeds of dog, the Golden Retriever slowly emerged. At that time, they were classified as "Retriever — Yellow or Golden. The AKC officially recognized the breed in .Wolf History Here is some info on the Grey Wolf: Gray wolves were once common throughout all of North America, but were exterminated in most areas of the United States by the mid s. The famous introduction of wolves in to Yellowstone National Park was a huge win for conservation. Wolves live, travel and hunt in packs of 7 to 8 animals on average. Packs include the mother and father wolves called the alphas , their pups and older offspring. The alpha female and male are typically the pack leaders that track and hunt prey, choose den sites and establish the pack's territory. Wolves develop strong social bonds within their packs. Wolves have a complex communication system ranging from barks and whines to growls and howls. While they don't actually howl at the moon, they are more active at dawn and dusk, and they do howl more when it's lighter at night, which occurs more often when the moon is full.
how much to feed mini bernedoodle puppy - In that case, it's vital to have anxiety management tools in your arsenal. When you think of a German Shepherd, what comes to mind? A perched, strong black and white dog with a long snout and muscular shoulders. Or maybe a dog that is standing solid and upright, exuding confidence and bravery. This man's best friend is the epitome of loyalty and protection. Often the German Shepherd is viewed as indestructible, but there is a chink in their armor. Unfortunately, this breed notoriously suffers from anxious behavior. Unwanted behaviors leave many homes wrecked and owners stressed. Luckily, German Shepherd anxiety can be easily managed by understanding the breed, fear, and investing in calming avenues. More than likely, you or someone you know owns and loves a German Shepherd. They are one of the best breeds to choose for your family. German shepherds are known to love as fiercely as they live. This breed lives its life to protect and serve its owner. Often owners of German Shepherds feel safer in their homes and live more active lives. As a responsible pet owner and friend to your pup, it's essential to take care of their mental health. To fully care for your German Shepherd, it's necessary to understand and study this breed's physical, mental, and emotional needs. Physical features of a German Shepherd include a large stature, supreme agility, and muscular definition. This breed has a double coat which is likely to shed twice a year. It's crucial to maintain their coat frequently for you and their sanity. If you do not expect to experience a lot of shedding, this breed isn't for you. Because this breed has such a dominating physical makeup, it's playful and energetic. Physical activity and social interaction are a must for this breed. Personality traits of this breed include loyalty, courage, and confidence. German Shepherds are the epitome of bravery in a canine friend. German Shepherds make wonderful pets because they are affectionate and protective. That means that you can bring this playful pup home to your children with little to no worry. Their strong aptitude for protecting their owners makes German Shepherds the perfect watchdog. Socialization is critical to the growth of your German Shepherd. It is essential to bond with your pup early on to ward of feelings of German Shepherd anxiety. According to the Merk Veterinary Manual , "a lack of adequate socialization and enrichment during the sensitive period can contribute to excessive responses to stimuli, including fear and aggression. Without this foundation, your pup will be more prone to anxious tendencies. All is not lost! Even if your puppy had little early socialization, you could put an end to German Shepherd anxiety with proper training and care! Like most dogs, German Shepherds have been bred to bond with humans and be lifelong companions. A significant difference between German Shepherds and other dogs is that humans bred the German Shepherd to work. Generating an animal-based on a specific set of traits is known as purpose-driven breeding. German Shepherds have been given jobs to apply their fantastic talent and, therefore, need this structured into their daily lives. Because it is not likely that your German Shepherd is wrangling sheep or working on a farm, it's imperative to exhaust these mental and physical expectations through similar stimuli. Without proper stimulation, German Shepherd anxiety might cause some unwanted behaviors in your home. What is German Shepherd anxiety? German Shepherd anxiety is often much like human anxiety. Anxiety is a state of fear-induced stress and can cause problem behaviors. These behaviors range from very minimal to extreme. Slight cases of disruptive behavior can lead to severe behavior, which will affect your daily life. It's important to understand anxiety to avoid stress in your pup. What is German Shepherd Anxiety? Just like humans, German shepherds can and do suffer from mental health disorders. Healthline describes anxiety as a natural response to stress. It is the psychological relationship to the fear of the threat of well-being. Anxiety in humans represents itself through panic attacks, phobias, social or separation anxieties, and trauma-related anxieties. There are trained professionals that monitor and diagnose these behavioral abnormalities when they start to affect daily functioning. With modification and treatment, humans can manage their anxieties, and the same goes for your German Shepherd's anxiety. However, it's your responsibility as the pet owner to manage pet anxiety. Is your German Shepherd showing anxiety? ASPCA explains that German Shepherd anxiety can cause urinating or defecating, barking, chewing or destroying things, digging, trying to escape, pacing, or preventing you from leaving. If your German Shepherd has been house-trained well, these unwanted behaviors can be coping mechanisms to fear and anxiety. However, we'd love to have our pets treated for mental health issues, finding a psychologist trained in German Shepherd anxiety. After talking to your veterinarian to discuss the unwanted behavior, it's your turn to assess and maintain your pup's mental health. Unfortunately, many times urinating and defecating inside the home is triggered by a severe ailment. Make sure to take your German Shepherd to its veterinarian to rule out a medical emergency. Is My German Shepherd Anxious? German Shepherd anxiety is a warning signal that your German Shepherd is in distress. It's crucial to understand and examine your dog's lifestyle and behavior to manage German Shepherd anxiety. Also, it's important not to get angry or upset with your pet. Dogs have emotions, like humans, and this is an emotional stress response. Getting angry or upset with your pet often leads to more destructive behavior. Punishment breeds fear, and anxious behavior will become severe. There are other ways to manage German Shepherd anxiety. Has your German Shepherd changed homes, guardians, schedules, or have you added members to your household? This breed is known for adapting to change very well but can still show distress when abandoned or disrupting their schedule or routine. Are you getting your German Shepherd enough stimulation? By breeding German Shepherds to be working companions, these dogs are typically much happier accommodating their owners. If you are not training German Shepherds or giving them the social interactions they need, this will often result in boredom. Boredom can result in German Shepherd anxiety! It is paramount that a German Shepherd lives an active lifestyle with a serving heart. Does Loneliness drive German Shepherd anxiety? Separation anxiety is one of the most common anxieties witnessed in dogs. A dog, having been bred for companionship, is not equipped to stay home for hours alone. It's crucial to understand separation anxiety and what this may look like in your German Shepherd. Separation Anxiety and Your German Shepherd ASPCA lists separation anxiety in dogs as being "triggered when dogs become upset because of separation from their guardians, the people they're attached to. Your German Shepherd can showcase separation anxiety by trying to escape, urinating, chewing or destroying objects in the home, and unwanted digging. Does your German Shepherd act sad when you are preparing to leave the house without them? Does your dog try to prevent you from leaving your house? Is your German Shepherd's disruptive behavior often acted out when you are not home? These are possible signs that German Shepherd anxiety is resulting in negative behavior. How to Manage Separation Anxiety in your German Shepherd The best way to manage separation anxiety in your German Shepherd is to teach them to be happy at home without you. Making a happy home for your pet sounds easy enough. Make your household comfortable and calming. Calming Store offers the perfect products that aid your pup in loving their atmosphere. Made to curb anxious behavior, the calming bed provides a comfortable, calming, luxurious space for your German Shepherd. Face it; we can't stay home with our pups every day and work hard to give them the best life possible. Help your German Shepherd feel at ease in their home by investing in their comfort. An excellent way to condition your pet to love their home with or without you is through food rewards. This type of conditioning allows your dog to associate positive feelings with a set task. The task at hand is your German Shepherd feeling comfortable with you leaving and ending German Shepherd anxiety. Therefore, when you go, you will give your dog food. These calming zen chews are perfectly curated to manage German Shepherd anxiety. When leaving the house, provide your German Shepherd a calming zen chew, and he will attach positive feelings to being home alone. The pleasant food will reinforce the feelings of comfortable and calm when you are away. No more destructive, unwanted behaviors from your pup. This breed's high level of intelligence made it easily trainable, which is perfect for intense militant training. German Shepherd's muscular physique also makes it the ideal work dog. The life of a working dog is strenuous. These physical demands of German Shepherds can lead to anxious behaviors. This recent study links anxiety traits in German Shepherds to work-related physical trauma. The study suggests, "Findings supported our research hypothesis in that the number of behavioral concerns reported was significantly associated and correlated with the number of vertebral locations with lumbosacral stenosis. The benefits of having dogs trained in detecting bombs or subduing criminals must outweigh these startling statistics. We must protect and comfort these heroes at all costs! The calming bed will aid worker dogs in comfort and relaxation. Calm German Shepherd anxiety with a bed that is cozy and large enough to accommodate their muscular build. The calming bed comes in an XL size of 48 inches which is perfect for your sore pup. These heroes deserve the best, and you must take care of their aches by offering them the most high-quality bed possible. But what other common triggers cause anxiety? Loud noises from thunderstorms or celebrations can cause significant anxious behavior in German Shepherds. Did you know that Independence Day was the number one day that dogs are known to run away? Dogs try to escape because the loud noise of fireworks triggers many dogs. Needing to escape their environment is a result of anxious behavior. It makes sense that this breed is often in distress from loud noises. Having been trained as work dogs, German Shepherds are on high alert and sensitive to noisy stimuli. Many owners attribute loud noises to disruptive behavior in their German Shepherds. Be on the lookout for this product to drop soon. Only organic material goes into making the calming bed. It comes with an insert of an expert blend of Valerian oil, Vetiver, Sweet Basil, and Clary Sage calming essential oils. These essential oils are safe for your pet. These essential oils are homeopathic ways to relieve German Shepherd anxiety. According to this study , genetic behavior is vital in understanding the risk management of behavioral fears in your German Shepherd. You keep him working through training exercises but not in a militant style. Your house could still fall victim to the wrath of an anxious pup. All the training in the world will not change the genetic makeup of your German Shepherd. Remember, breeding patterns link German Shepherds to diligent and protective behavior. It's in their nature to be on alert and makes them the best at what they do. The best way to protect your pet and belongings from anxious behavior is to maintain a calm and comfortable home environment. Sometimes there are no answers. There is no rhyme or reason why a German Shepherd is feeling anxious. Still, as a pet owner and family to your pup, it's crucial to invest in their mental health. Calming Dog offers calming spray that can relax and comfort your German Shepherd in the security of its own home. German Shepherds need a comfortable, calm environment with owners that they can trust. Let's not forget that there are breed state laws that specifically target behavior in certain breeds. German Shepherds fall under these legislations because they can create a great deal of harm to others and their property. As a pet owner, it is your responsibility to ensure that your pet doesn't escape and harm others or themselves. These laws often have monetary punishment, as in you would pay a fine. Still, too many instances of breaking the law can lead to relinquishing your pet to state facilities. The Calming Dog offers an alternative route to manage German Shepherd anxiety. With products ranging from comfortable beds to products great for conditioning Zen Chews , these products will create a serene and comfortable environment that your German Shepherd will learn to love. Take the burden of anxiety away by investing in your family pet's mental health today. These animals didn't choose to become our protectors, but they live up to the challenge. We must value the life they give to us and become responsible pet owners. We have to manage their physical, mental, and emotional health. Not only will your German Shepherd be anxiety-free, but your home will be clean and safe. You will not have to worry about breaking laws or your pup harming himself or others. Congratulations on taking the time to learn to manage German Shepherd anxiety. The first step to a more peaceful environment is to process how to manage stress. You are on your way to living a better life with your German Shepherd! How to help my German Shepherd with Separation Anxiety? November 3, November 3, Anyone who has a German Shepherd knows that they are exceptionally intelligent, loyal and confident. Separation anxiety is common in dogs and especially German Shepherds. We all know that German Shepherds are extremely affectionate and loyal to their family. They love spending time with their owners and protect them from threats. There are certain traits only linked to German Shepherds such as a want to chase things, they can be very aloof toward strangers, be territorial, and have an exceptional ability to focus. This intelligent and playful breed can quickly get bored and anxious when they are separated from their owners for long periods. Shepherds have shown signs of aggression and bad behavior due to being alone and feeling anxious and stressed. Dealing with separation anxiety with Shepherds can be different than other breeds because of their size and intelligence. With a small dog you can pick them up, cuddle, walk around with them in your arms, this is not an option with a shepherd. Other dogs can be content with classical music in the background to calm them while a shepherd need more mental stimulation to bring comfort. You know your dog best so changes in behavior or body language should be addressed. Lip licking Whites of the eyes are visible Shaking Looking away and avoidance behavior This issue can be worse for rescue German Shepherds because of the potential for pre-existing abandonment issues. If you recently brought your new dog home from the shelter, you might find that separation anxiety is a big problem. They have previous experience with being abandoned or left at a shelter. It is also important to remember that your German Shepherd can develop separation anxiety issues later in life even if they were previously fine. German Shepherds are sensitive to changes in their lives. For example, some dog owners will notice increased anxiety in their dogs after moving to another house. Your pet merely needs time to get used to their new surroundings and will find comfort in your presence. A change in routine, such as a new job, could also have an impact. Sometimes just getting older can mean a newly developed case of separation anxiety. The behavioral symptoms of separation anxiety in German Shepherds: The symptoms that you will be most aware of as a dog owner are the more destructive behaviors and their impact on your home. If your dog has the freedom to roam around the house and take out their frustrations, damage may occur. Dogs can become more inclined to chew to comfort themselves, often legs of chairs, corners of couches…even walls! How should you react when your dog pees or poops in the house while you are away? You might find unfortunate accidents on the floor when you get home, as though your dog forgot all about their house-breaking training. When this happens, your dog should never be yelled at or punished. Your dog connects the accident to your behavior. So, if you normally would yell at your dog when there is an accident, then your dog would relate the actual accident to yelling, not that they were the cause of this accident. This could mean that they start whining a lot more as they pace the home looking for you. Or they might start barking. If the latter is the case, you might find your neighbors knocking on your door complaining about the noise. That is because they might not manifest themselves until you leave home. Some German Shepherd will start to drool excessively, while others may pant and shake. There can be a big difference in the symptoms exhibited, with some dogs becoming quite active in their anxiety and others more lethargic and depressed. Click here to learn more about the signs of separation anxiety in dogs What can you do to prevent separation anxiety in German Shepherds? The impact of these tools will always depend on the personality of your dog, the severity of the condition, and your efforts in using them consistently. Therefore, some dog owners will see results with greater speed and ease than others. Renowned as the Queen of Calm, it relieves anxiety, helps with sleep and lifts moods. Lavender can help de-stress and calm your anxious dog safely. It can not only quiet a nervous and agitated pooch, but also help them sleep better, and can even cheer up a depressed pet. One of the gentlest oils around, lavender is well-known as a natural sedative, calming and soothing the nerves, easing anxiety and depression, and promoting deeper and more restful sleep. Lavender's calming sedative-like effects were confirmed in a study Pubmed article Link with dogs who had a history of car ride anxiety. The study found that dogs spent significantly more time resting and sitting and less time moving and vocalizing when exposed to the scent. Another study Shelter Dog Study link on diffusing lavender in a dog shelter showed similar results. Your Scent. Neuroscientist Gregory Berns and his team at Emory University's Center for Neuropolicy used advanced brain-imaging to demonstrate that dogs recognize scents even when the source isn't present. One of the most interesting findings of his study published in the journal Behavioral Processes is how canine brains responded differently to the odor of unfamiliar dogs and humans compared to their own family. You are your dog's favorite smell. While we might expect that dogs should be highly tuned to the smell of other dogs, it seems that the 'reward response' is reserved for their humans. Whether this is based on food, play, innate genetic predisposition or something else remains an area for future investigation. They don't call man "dog's best friend" for nothing. Click here to learn more about the powerful effects that your smell has on your dog SPACE: Give them space where they can be happy and entertained while you are gone. If you want to stop your anxious German Shepherd from exploring the home in search of you or destroying things out of boredom or worry, make sure that they are secure and entertained. Train your pup to be safe in a crate or a pen. Give them a safe designated area that is all theirs where they can sleep and play. A crate can become a cozy little den with their blankets and toys. A nap here in the afternoon can be soothing. The destructive side of separation anxiety can subside if your dog is tired and would much rather have a good sleep. You can enjoy some quality time together and get plenty of exercise on a long walk. Then, when they are settled back at home and content, you can leave without a fuss. How do we get your actual scent into our products? When you order, we send you a scent collection kit in the mail. When you mail back your collected scent in the prepaid envelope provide, our labs extract your scent molecules in a highly concentrated format, which is then blended to create the ultimate calming spray for your dog. It is all natural, drug and chemical free. German Shepherds stand 24 to 26 inches and weigh between 66 and 88 lbs. A German Shepherd puppy is loyal, confident, and courageous. They are considered good all-purpose working dogs. They are proud defenders of their families and willing to put their lives on the line as they grow. However, they are still gentle family pets. They are very receptive to training. German Shepherds have been in the top 3 dog breeds in the US for many years. The breed is no stranger to public service. They helped look for survivors on September 11, .They help search out explosives today. They are intelligent and athletic. They are some of the smartest dogs and herding dogs and are known to have great personalities. They can run 30 mph and jump as high as 6 feet. Training is necessary for them so that they don't misuse their strength. German Shepherd puppies can experience anxiety. Anxiety is seen most in German Shepherd puppies that have been adopted that were the victim of cruel acts, abuse, or neglect. However, this can happen with a German Shepherd puppy of any background. It is often seen in shelter animals which are thought to be because they were separated from a person they cared about. Other more common things can cause it, too, like changing schedules or someone leaving the household, such as a student going off to college. Sometimes these things are unavoidable, but there are things you can do to help. You wouldn't want your German Shepherd puppy to experience anxiety, but thankfully there are signs you can look out for. Fear is a response in German Shepherd puppies from a real threat. Anxiety is the response to an anticipated threat that might not materialize. Things like avoidance, shaking, and trembling can be a response to both fear and anxiety. A phobia is an exaggerated fear response that results in panic. German Shepherd puppies can be prone to anxiety. You wouldn't want your German Shepherd puppy to experience fear or anxiety. One common type is separation anxiety. Separation Anxiety in German Shepherd Puppies Separation anxiety in German Shepherd puppies occurs when the dog owner leaves the house. They can become distressed and exhibit behavior problems. This problem should be dealt with early , so the dog doesn't harm itself or anyone else. Your German Shepherd puppy is more prone to separation anxiety than other breeds because they are loyal and form an intense bond with their owners. They are highly social, and we bred them to be with us and interact with us, so when they are left alone, this can cause profound distress. If your German Shepherd puppy appears to have separation anxiety, you may wonder what the causes were. Thankfully, you can watch for signs to determine if your German Shepherd is suffering from anxiety. We'll go over that in the next section. Here are a few: Inconsistency You have to try your best to stay consistent with your German Shepherd puppy. They will expect to know when it's time to wake up, go to sleep, eat, and go for a walk in their day. Changing things around frequently can be very anxiety-inducing for them. You want to avoid this and stay consistent. You wouldn't want to cause anxiety in your German Shepherd puppy. Confusing Commands A German Shepherd puppy doesn't have the same grasp of the English language that we do. If you say something like "down," meaning lie down and get off the couch respectively, this could confuse your German Shepherd puppy. You need to keep commands clear and the same throughout training. This will help avoid anxiety in your German Shepherd puppies. You wouldn't want to stress them out. Staring Directly at Your Puppy Dogs can get nervous with direct eye contact, and it can cause anxiety. Consider looking at your German Shepherd puppy from a side glance instead of dead-on, as this will be more relaxing for them. Of course, your dog is beautiful, and you want to look at it, but avoid staring. This will help decrease stress in your German Shepherd puppy. Unnecessary Punishment Sometimes your dog does something wrong, but sometimes they are just a dog. If you leave food on the counter and your dog eats it, do not punish them, as this is typical dog behavior. Avoid the situation instead, and don't leave food out. It stinks you lost your meal but never punish a dog for being a dog. You wouldn't want to cause anxiety. They will begin to associate these phrases with fear. Instead, give them treats to distract them and provide positive reinforcement. You wouldn't want your dog to get more afraid because you are consoling it. This could cause anxiety in your German Shepherd puppy. This is more likely if you just adopted them. Show them around and make sure they are comfortable in their new home as they get familiar with it. This should ease with time spent in the new place. This will avoid anxiety for your dog. Someone Left the Home German Shepherd puppies don't understand that kids grow up and go to college. They think a particular person in the family is missing. This can cause anxiety in German Shepherd puppies. Please do your best to give them lots of affection and toys to stay busy. This will help reduce their anxiety. Give them attention and do training exercises with them to distract them. This can help with anxiety in your German Shepherd puppy. It's sad for the whole family when a member passes away, and that includes other dogs. Instead, stay calm and train your puppy to remain calm as well. Don't yell and scream around your German Shepherd puppy. Try to stay composed at all times. This may be easier said than done if that is an aspect of your personality but try your best. You wouldn't want to stress out your German Shepherd puppy. Fear Your dog could be anxious because it is fearful. This could be because of sirens or fireworks, or even another dog. Do your best to watch for body language and figure out what your German Shepherd puppies find so upsetting. You can help calm them by avoiding the situation in the future if you can. Someone Has Been Mistreating It This is primarily occurring if you recently adopted your German Shepherd puppy and took it out of a bad situation. However, if it is currently going on, then the dog may become fearful of that person. Watch for foul body language. It would be terrible if someone was hurting your dog and you didn't know. Lack of Exercise Your German Shepherd puppies should be getting an hour of exercise every day. If it isn't, that could contribute to its anxiety. Consider taking your German Shepherd puppy for a daily walk to prevent this. You also wouldn't want your German Shepherd puppy to become overweight. There is a chance it will improve over time. However, now is an excellent time to start with positive reinforcement and rewarding it for good behavior so it continues. The Owner Dies If the German Shepherd puppies owner passes away, that would be devastating to the dog but will probably ease with time. This would be more common with adopted dogs and could cause anxiety. Be sure to distract the dog with lots of attention and food puzzle treats if you can. Any manner of situation can cause this to be very stressful for your dog. You might consider leaving it with family when you leave the house or doggy daycare. Here are a few. Growling When a dog is growling, it is warning you. This might happen when someone is too close to it while it is eating. It would be best if you didn't punish growling, as it may lead to going directly to biting in the future. This is a sign of anxiety in your German Shepherd puppy. Whining or Barking Whining or barking isn't something some dogs can control all that well, but it can be a sign of anxiety, and you should be watchful for it paired with other symptoms of anxiety. Sometimes barking is anxiety, and sometimes it isn't. Body Language There are many signs in body language that show anxiety, such as whale eye showing the white of the eyes and tucked ears or tail in German Shepherd puppies. You'll want to watch for signs of distress. Your German Shepherd puppy is letting you know that something is bothering it. Freezing Freezing occurs when a dog is shutting down from anxiety. It would be best if you were very careful, and this can come right before a bite. You certainly wouldn't want your German Shepherd puppy to bite someone. It's best to watch for this body language. Pacing Moving back and forth when getting fed may not be a big deal, but pacing can be a sign of anxiety. You'll have to determine if it is a habit or a visual queue of something more. Pay attention when your dog is moving back and forth. Chewing Chewing up your favorite shoes isn't just for fun; it could be a sign of anxiety. This is a good time for situational avoidance and keeps your shoes away from your German Shepherd puppy. German Shepherd puppies love to chew, so make sure they have plenty of toys. Howling Howling can be a sign of anxiety. Be sure to watch for this as your German Shepherd puppies are telling you they are stressed. Your neighbors might also be annoyed. Digging Digging can be annoying and expensive if it is done inside and they rip up the floor. This behavior can be seen as anxiety. You'll want to pay attention if your dog is digging inside especially. Being Destructive Ripping up the couch and chewing up the rug can be seen as anxiety. You might have to crate your dog or block them off with a baby gate to avoid this. Situational avoidance is essential when dealing with anxiety and your German Shepherd puppies. Eating Their Excrement Eating their excrement isn't normal and can be a sign of an anxious dog. If your German Shepherd puppy does this, take notice. What We Know About Managing Anxiety in Humans Regular exercise, adequate sleep, and good nutrition are some of the best ways to equip your body better to combat stress, but several vitamins and supplements can also help. Things like good nutrition, getting enough sleep, and regular exercise help with stress and anxiety. Several herbal supplements can also help. This includes L-theanine. L-theanine is an amino acid found in tea leaves. It's also found in Calming Zen Chews. These can help your dog relax if they need help with anxiety treatment. Stress is how the human body responds to a demand, and sometimes a little stress can help perform at school or work. Stress can also be seen as nature's way of helping you fight for survival. However, too much stress can lead to health problems, both in people and German Shepherd puppies. What other things can you do to help your German Shepherd puppies with anxiety? These trainings are based around desensitizing your German Shepherd puppy to stimuli and also refocusing when a dog is presented with the stimuli. You may want to contact a trainer regarding this and make sure they can help you with this before paying for services. Learning Body Language You want to do your best to study the body language of your German Shepherd puppy. There are many signs of stress that are shown such as whale eye showing the white of the eye , and tucking the tail. Body language will let you know when your dog is experiencing anxiety. Socialization Introducing your German Shepherd puppy to know places, people, and things will make them be a more well-rounded dog. This can avoid exaggerated reactions to stimuli in the future. Obedience Training It is much easier to socialize a well-trained dog. German Shepherd puppies are very receptive to training and you won't regret working with your puppy now to curb any issues in the future. Exercise Exercise is important for the physical health of your German Shepherd puppy. They should be getting an hour of exercise daily. Not getting the right amount can cause stress and anxiety. Nutrition You should be feeding your German Shepherd puppies high-quality dog food for their best health. A healthy dog is less likely to have problems with anxiety. Check with your veterinarian to see what you should be feeding in your area. Situation Avoidance Sometimes the best thing you can do is avoid a situation where you know your German Shepherd puppy will become anxious. Perhaps skip working overtime or skip the dog park. You know what upsets your dog and you can do your best to avoid those situations without completely changing your life too much. Crate Training Crate training is a great way to give your dog a safe place. Be careful though as crates can make some German Shepherd puppies anxious. If your dog becomes anxious with crate training, block them off with a baby gate instead. Giving Your Dog Jobs Give your dog jobs to do. Take them on new hiking trails and give them food puzzle treats. Enrich their life so they are less likely to have anxiety. Conclusion German Shepherd puppies are great dogs. They are very loyal and loving and make great family pets. Unfortunately, they can be prone to anxiety. There are signs you can watch out for however and things you can do to help. German Shepherd puppies make awesome pets and there are things you can do to improve their stress levels. Bites Anxiety Prevention Although the causes of anxiety can be many, there are things you can do to help prevent a dog from developing an anxiety disorder. Help for Anxiety There is not a one size fits all solution for anxiety so talking to your vet or a canine behaviorist can be helpful. Some things that may help anxiety may include: Adding a second dog to the house may help calm and reassure a dog with separation anxiety to cope when their owner leaves the house. Creating a safe space or crating an anxious dog may help temporarily reduce the anxious and destructive behavior in some, but not in all dogs. A safe space is helpful for many reasons and all dogs should have a place of retreat. Diffusing dog appeasing pheromones using an eclectic diffuser has been found to reduce anxiety related behavior. This is not referring to essential oils. CBD oil can help maintain homeostasis and reduce anxiety in dogs. Always look for a THC free high quality, water soluble, hemp oil in capsules, treats, or oil. Find a company that batch tests and guarantees their oils for purity. Healthy food and supplements can also help calm anxiety by improving overall health. According to Veterinary Practice News, L-theanine an amino acid found naturally in green tea and mushroom, has been shown to help cats and dogs deal with separation anxiety and environmental stressors and colostrum calming milk supplement that can reduce anxious behavior can help. Get behavior advice from a professional to help. Remove the dog from what they fear then start systematic desensitization expose the dog small, mild versions of what they fear from a distance to help them overcome their fears and then gradually increase the exposure. The trick is to keep the initial exposures below their fear threshold so that their anxiety will not be triggered. Counter-conditioning is another way to desensitize a dog. In other words, try to change the way your pet perceives what they fear. Scared of the vet? Bring treats and their favorite toy to the next visit. A storm is brewing? Reassure and praise your dog for calm behavior. You will not reinforce their fear or create more fear by being calming and helping them to feel safe, as long as you are also calm and confident. Medication, your vet can prescribe medication to help calm extreme or temporary cases of anxiety. Some people have an aversion to medication but in some cases its helpful, can protect a dog from hurting themselves, or even prevent unnecessary euthanasia. Never punish a dog for anxious behavior. Punishments and harsh corrections can create more fear and aggression and create a cycle of anxiety. Fun distractions, such as treats and toys, to take their attention off the trigger and getting to the bottom of their troubles is far more helpful. Please share these helpful tips that will help put an end to dog anxiety. To stop separation anxiety in German Shepherds, socialize and train your dog from an early age and exercise him before leaving. Leave him where he feels relaxed and comfy, keeping departures low-key, and leave lots of toys and distractions. Practice short trips first and never use punishment. Puppies should be exposed to different stimuli as often as possible from an early age. Start by introducing your pup to your family and friends, taking him to many different places where he can encounter other dogs and experience various scenarios, such as traffic noise, lots of people, children playing, etc. Puppies need a routine and a training schedule. Check out my article, German Shepherd Puppy Training Schedule , for a month-by-month plan on what to teach and when. Just understand it may take a little longer. For both puppies and older dogs, obedience classes are always an excellent idea. Exercise helps to keep them healthy and prevents boredom. This study found that dogs with separation anxiety exercised less compared with dogs that did not have separation anxiety. The same study also found that unsocialized dogs were more at risk see above. Always exercise your German Shepherd before you leave him. He will be tired and will want to sleep while you are away. A tired dog is also a happy dog. When you return home, exercise him again. A healthy adult German Shepherd needs at least two periods of between 45 to minutes of daily exercise. Walking him on the lead every day without any variety will not be sufficient. Puppies have different exercise requirements as they are still growing, and too much or the wrong type of exercise can be harmful to pups. So, here are my 7 fun ways how to exercise a German Shepherd puppy. If your German Shepherd stays indoors and is crate trained, you should leave him in his crate as he will feel safe and secure. However, a point to note is that some dogs with already developed separation anxiety do not do well in a crate. Other options are to leave him in a designated room or use dog gates to segregate an area or use a playpen. Making a big fuss about departures and arrivals detracts from this purpose. The same applies when you return, so wait a few minutes before petting him and showing him affection. It makes a great chew toy, has a crazy fun bounce, and you can fill it with peanut butter or treats for your doggo to enjoy. Puzzle toys are mentally and physically stimulating, which helps to reduce stress and anxiety. This cool toy will keep your pup busy while he tries to find all the tasty treats. It encourages positive play and gets thousands of great reviews. Another tip is to leave the TV on or have some gentle music playing. So start by leaving him for a few minutes at a time as soon as you bring him home, which is usually around eight weeks old. Gradually build this up over the next few weeks, increasing his time alone little by little. A rough guideline is that puppies should be left no more than one hour per month of age up to a maximum of four hours. You can read more info on how long German Shepherds can be left alone in my guilt-free guide. When my German Shepherd was a young pup, even if I had nowhere to go, I would sneak upstairs to another room and stay silent for a few minutes so that she could get used to being alone in her crate. However, you should try to avoid this step if you notice that your German Shepherd is beginning to feel quite comfortable alone. It should only be attempted if your dog is experiencing separation anxiety or you need to be away for more than four hours. Otherwise, you could end up reversing your progress. German Shepherds are all about you and will stress very easily! One way to stop separation anxiety in German Shepherds is to show your doggo that you love him and he is important to you. You should allow him to have some time alone as you might inadvertently be making him too clingy. A GSDs strong bond can become a problem if you allow it! Ensure you show him affection at the right times, such as during training or when he deserves praise. There are also other ways to show affection rather than constantly petting, such as extra walks or playtime or offering special treats or toys as rewards. Never Discipline Your GSD If you come home to destroyed cushions, scratches on the door, or a chewed table leg, you cannot discipline or punish your pup. They are, in fact, part of a panic response. You should discipline dogs at the precise moment they perform the unwanted behavior. But why? This is because dogs have a 2-minute short-term memory and will not remember what happened a few minutes earlier, never mind an hour ago! But they will recall your training commands through associative memory. This means they can remember associations between commands, situations, and behavior. This is why positive reinforcement as a method of training works. Consider a Second Dog to be a Friend One solution to prevent separation anxiety in German Shepherds is to consider getting a second dog. However, this is a massive commitment, and you need to carefully think about how much extra time, work, and expense it will involve. If your family is truly set on a second dog, bear in mind that adult German Shepherds often have difficulty accepting new dogs. This problem stems from their intense bond with you. However, a young adolescent dog will likely receive a new friend with open paws! It can lower his recovery rate and add up to his trauma. This can increase the nervousness. Sometimes, there can only be one trigger point to address and this can get them rid of fear. Rework on your routine to spend some more time with your German Shepherd. Every dog takes his own pace to recover. It can reduce boredom, sensitize your absence, and also promote coping skills of your German Shepherd. German Shepherd Separation Anxiety Training If your German Shepherd suffers from severe separation anxiety or you have adopted a rescue with clear signs of this psychological problem, and the above recommendations are clearly not working, it may be time to start more advanced separation anxiety training. So, can you train separation anxiety out of a German Shephard? You can train separation anxiety out of a German Shepherd. German Shepherd separation anxiety training consists of behavior modification techniques such as counterconditioning and desensitization, which can be supplemented with medication in the initial phases if the anxiety is severe. Interestingly, I found some recent research suggesting that understanding the root cause of separation anxiety could be the key to effective treatment. The research conducted by a team of scientists at the University of Lincoln, UK, stated that separation-related behavior SRB should be seen as a symptom of inherent frustrations instead of a diagnosis. The idea is to condition your German Shepherd to look forward to your departure by learning to associate the sound of your keys and other departure cues with getting something pleasant, such as a treat or a toy. Desensitization Another training technique is desensitization. This is when you gradually teach your dog to cope with a situation by carefully exposing him to that situation in tiny steps. For example, you can start by practicing progressive departures of minutes when you leave your German Shepherd. For example, if he starts to panic after just 30 seconds of you leaving, then that is your starting point. You will start by walking through the door and leaving him for, say, 15 seconds. But, if you know that he starts to exhibit symptoms after 10 minutes, try leaving him for 5 minutes. Do you get me? Slowly but surely is the key. Doggy cams are excellent for this as you just operate them from your smartphone. This one has over 20, positive reviews, and you can even get it to toss out treats to your dog. But that is not for now! As behavior modification training is not a quick solution, you may need to consider additional treatment options, such as conventional or alternative medication, especially if your GSDs anxiety is severe. To treat separation anxiety in your German Shepherd, consider anti-anxiety medication from your vet whilst you continue behavior modification training. You can also use dog appeasing pheromone DAP , which has therapeutic calming effects. CBD oil is also becoming more popular, albeit not clinically proven. Medication is only a temporary fix and should always be used in conjunction with the training techniques described above. This is a synthetic copy of the natural comforting pheromone secreted by a dam to reassure her puppies. Dog-appeasing pheromone has therapeutic effects of calming and reducing some forms of anxiety in both young and adult dogs. Nonetheless, there has been little research to support the use of DAP for canine separation anxiety, and its long-term effectiveness is unknown. However, this study suggested that DAP improved separation anxiety in hospitalized dogs. Adaptil is the brand recommended, most trusted, and used by vets and expert animal behaviorists. I have never needed to try this for my German Shepherd. CBD oil is available in drops, capsules, and a range of treats. Some dog owners claim that their dogs benefit from using it as it helps to fight their separation anxiety by relaxing them and keeping them calm when alone. This study suggested that the main reasons owners choose cannabis products were to use them alongside other therapies, and they were perceived as a natural substance. Before you give any supplement to your German Shepherd, you should contact your veterinarian for advice. Here are the key takeaways of this guide: Early socialization and training can prevent separation-related behavior Get your pup accustomed to being alone from a young age Thoroughly exercise your German Shepherd before leaving him Never punish your dog for destructive behavior due to SRB In extreme cases, work on behavior modification training Remember, you need to be patient and consistent as behavior modification training techniques can take weeks or months, depending on the dog and the extent of the problem. Related Posts You May Like:. The separation anxiety can be triggered by the dog seeing signs that the owner is leaving. Depending on how severe the anxiety is, your German Shepherd will most likely present the following symptoms: Howling is arguably the most common sign of separation anxiety in German Shepherds. Giving treats and toys to chew on during alone time can go a long way in resolving the issue. Remember not to show them too much affection at these moments as it only makes matters worse. Frequent accidents and misbehavior despite being trained. Excessive licking. Attempting to escape from home, especially after your departure, is one of the most common signs that your dog is experiencing separation anxiety. Some German Shepherds exhibit separation anxiety by biting their paws often. Frequent change of position or pacing can also show signs of separation in a German Shepherd. The German Shepherd is famous for being one of the most loyal dog breeds. This, however, comes at a price since the dogs could get sensitive and emotional about being left behind. German shepherds are among the most affectionate dog breeds in the world. If not well managed, the anxiety problem can grow from barking to other kinds of unpleasant behavior such as aggression towards other dogs or destroying furniture. What causes separation anxiety in German Shepherds? It is not properly understood why dogs experience separation anxiety. There are, however, a few likely scenarios. First, wolves and dogs are natural pack animals. They grow fond of each other and their master much faster than other animals like cats. It is not, therefore, hard to imagine how difficult it is for your dog to feel alone, as they might be afraid of being hurt or lost. Another possible reason for this behavior is previous experiences with abandonment. Dogs adopted from shelters are particularly vulnerable to these experiences. According to The German Shepherder , the issue is also quite rampant in older dogs who have had to survive the passing or departure of their owners and had to be re-homed. While you might get a sense of affection by knowing that your dog is anxious for your return, it might be dangerous for your dog to be upset every time you leave. It is therefore best to tackle the problem head-on. This is only possible by making changes to the routine that your German Shepherd is used to. Make sure your dog gets enough exercise every day before you leave. According to GermanShepherdProblems , most German Shepherd dogs will not become anxious if they do not panic at the departure of their master. Try to give the dog something to do while you are away. A chew toy works best in German Shepherds. However, these remedies are only useful if the dog is not experiencing severe anxiety. Otherwise, if your dog is severely anxious, these activities might not be enough to capture their attention in order to get over your absence. Do this by going through your leaving routine daily without actually leaving, or just occasionally get up and leave without giving the dog any warning. By not giving much affection to the German Shepherd right before you go and mixing up your leaving routine, they might be less likely to panic when you leave. Also, try your best to ignore the dog when it starts to whine or whimper. It is really tough to ignore them when they start to sound displeased. However, showing more affection to your dog when it gets upset only makes things worse. You need to do your best to keep a distance between your dog and your act of leaving. In most cases, just re-planning your routine will work great at solving the issue of separation anxiety. Positive reinforcements Puppies are more like children, as they learn much faster when they are rewarded for a behavior. The idea only works in mild anxiety cases. If bad behavior has already taken hold, positive reinforcements might not be a favorable option. The goal of positive reinforcements is to reward calm behaviors and discourage anxious behaviors such as chewing and barking. Some professionals may refer to it as counter-conditioning since it teaches your dog to embrace its fears for a treat. If you are not calm around your dog, especially at the time of departure, you might be the cause of the problem. It is not advisable to pour love or make a big deal at the moment of your departure. Stay calm when preparing to depart. We are not, however, forbidding you from saying goodbye to your dog. Just try to not make a fuss out of it. Medication might help at times If you have tried all the ways listed above but none seem to be working, you might want to try some medication for your German Shepherd. It is always advisable to have a personal veterinary professional for your dog. Getting them checked immediately when symptoms arise could help a vet alleviate the issue early on. While medication should not be your first choice, it is sometimes essential that your German Shepherd receives medical attention for cases of severe anxiety. What to Avoid Doing to an Anxious German Shepherd Now that we know what to do to an anxious German Shepherd let us look at the things you should avoid doing around them. Do Not Yell at Your Dog! According to AboutGermanShepherddogs , yelling at your dog will only make the situation worse. Figure out which parts of the schedule to change and stick to it if it works. Do Not Ignore Training Some people simply let the dogs rest if they show signs of separation anxiety. It is essential that the dog gets regular training and new exercises to keep their mind off your departure. German Shepherd Separation Anxiety: Final Thoughts It is essential to recognize the signs of separation anxiety early on. This will not be difficult with most German Shepherd breeds as they will chew up just about anything when stressed enough! When you understand what exactly is keeping your pal anxious, you can take the steps discussed above to resolve it quickly. Jul 19, Blog German Shepherds are known as great human companions. This race was developed specially for hard work: guarding the flock, military, and police work. Many owners chose their German Shepherds because of their strength and intelligence. Instead of being the ultimate warriors, powerful and confident, many German Shepherds display soft and anxious behavior. Fear is normal From an evolutionary point of view, fear and anxiety are normal reactions. Those dogs which were fearful were also more vigilant, which helped them to survive longer. Putting it simply, overreacting is safer than being calm and relaxed. As a matter of fact, the same rule applies to humans. Most people very often experience fear, stress, and anxiety, despite rarely being in life-threatening situations. Its mental state results from a combination of traumatic experiences and genetic background. Dogs learn by associations. They link events with the sensory cues they experience. This means that very often, traumatic associations are purely accidental: a loud noise or sudden pain experienced when in contact with a specific object may be interpreted as that object being dangerous. The period when the dog is especially sensitive to fearful imprints is its adolescence. Your dog observes you all the time. It feels your emotions, reading from your body language, and your smell. If you react stressfully to a specific situation, it will take it as a sign that it should be stressed as well. On the other hand, if you remain calm, you may teach your dog to interpret the situation as non-threatening. You need to change the dogs association with the stimulus and change its reaction from fearful to calm and confident. The way to do it is exposing your dog to the situation he is afraid of — slowly and in small doses at a time — and rewarding it if it remains calm. If it is not apparent, pinpoint the situations causing your dog to be afraid and find out what is the common link. One of the worst possible strategies is forcing your dog to face his fears by bringing him to a fearful context and waiting for him to stop being afraid. In this situation, your dog becomes flooded with the fearful stimuli. The outcome is that his fear increases and the bond of trust between you and your dog can become severed. The dog needs to be slowly, gradually exposed to the fearful stimuli. It always has to happen in a controlled situation. For example, if your dog is afraid of strangers, bring it to a park where it can spot the strangers from far away while remaining in a safe zone. Reward your dog for being calm. If during a walk you encounter the fearful object by accident, distract your dog by taking its attention away. Reward your dog if it focuses on you, not the fearful stimuli. This is just a basic example of how gradual, controlled behavior conditioning can help your dog to become at ease with his fears. However, be prepared for the fact that teaching your dog to be calm and confident may take some hard work. Be patient and allow your dog to work at its own pace. Find a dog trainer near you who can instruct you on how to work with your dog. Below, I will mention a number of reasons why your German Shepherd could be getting anxious and the signs to look for with them. Separation anxiety A common reason why German Shepherds will get anxious is that they have some separation anxiety. This is where they get anxious because they do not want to be left alone. This would be more likely to be the reason why your German Shepherd gets anxious if it only seems to get anxious when you are about to leave and if you tend to leave it alone for a long time. In this case, it knows that you will be gone for a long time which is why it gets anxious. A new home Something that can cause a German Shepherd to become anxious is if it has recently moved homes. This would be more likely if you recently relocated or if you recently adopted your German Shepherd. In this case, it would help to show your German Shepherd around as much as possible. It is also likely that it will begin to become less anxious as it gets used to its surroundings. Someone left or another dog passed away Another thing that can cause a German Shepherd to become anxious is if someone moved away or if another pet passed away. This would be more likely to be the reason if your German Shepherd suddenly became more anxious at around the same time as either of those two things happening. In this case, your German Shepherd will likely begin to improve with time. However, it would likely help to spend more time with it yourself and to give it lots of exercise and toys to play with. Related post: How to tell if your German Shepherd loves you You are emotional around it German Shepherds will react to the way that their owner is behaving. If you have a tendency of becoming erratic, anxious or emotional around or with your German Shepherd then it is likely having an impact on its behavior. Instead, it would help to be calm around your German Shepherd and to train your German Shepherd to be calm as well. Fear The reason why your German Shepherd gets anxious could be because it is fearful. This would be more likely if it tends to get anxious at specific times where things happen that might cause it to get anxious or fearful. Common causes can include fireworks, sirens or thunder. However, it could also be the case that there is another person or dog that it is fearful of. If it is then it would be likely that it would become anxious when they are around. Related post: Why is my German Shepherd afraid? A change in its schedule German Shepherds are working dogs that like to have a regular routine. This is because it will be unsure of what is going on. Ways that its schedule might have changed could include a change in the time that you take it for a walk, when you feed it or when you tend to go to sleep and wake up. Someone has been mistreating it The cause could be that someone has been mistreating it. This would be more likely if your German Shepherd is adopted. If there is someone that is still mistreating it then it would be likely that it would get anxious when they are around. A lack of exercise German Shepherds are dogs that are meant to get a lot of exercise. Generally, it is recommended for a German Shepherd to get at least an hour of exercise per day. If a GSD does not get enough exercise then it can cause it to develop behavior problems including anxiousness. If your German Shepherd is not getting much exercise then making sure that it does would likely be very helpful in improving its behavior and reducing its anxiety. Related post: Ways to exercise your German Shepherd. It is still young It is common for German Shepherds to go through a more anxious phase when they are puppies. If your German Shepherd is still a puppy then it is likely that it will improve over time. However, now would be a good time to teach it not to be anxious or afraid of things. A good way to do so would be to use positive reinforcement training where you reward it when it shows signs of not being anxious or it does things where it is not anxious and it normally would be. Things to consider Before trying to get your German Shepherd to stop being anxious it would help a lot to know exactly what is causing it. There are a number of different things that you can consider but here are a couple of particularly useful things to think about. If it has become anxious suddenly If your German Shepherd has suddenly become anxious then it would be a lot more likely that there is something that recently happened that is causing it. It would help to consider things that happened at around the same time that it started to become more anxious.
Similar services:
how much to feed mini bernedoodle puppy - Boxer Puppies For Sale Near Me Boxer puppies ready to rehome in 2 weeks We have 3 healthy boxers 2 male fawn and a female brindle almost ready to be rehomed to their new forever home. No papers, but cute as ever. Parents are on-site. Located in Hawaii on the island of Oahu. Contact us for pictures and more info. Shots, tails and claws done. We have a male and female both fawn with white markings. Parents have excellent temperaments and solid pedigrees. They are playful, high energy and super sweet! They would make great holiday additions to any family. Please contact to discuss further details. He is 3 years old. Slobbers a bit but thats normal for boxers. Is a non aggressive calm lazy but still active dog. Great for families with kids older than 6. Younger kids probably not a good option as they might try to grab his mouth or play with his slobber. Text xxx xxx-xxx2 We raise our puppies in our home with lots of outside playtime. We want to offer an exceptional quality and healthy puppies to you by producing gorgeous puppies with lots of attention. .We breed for excellent temperament, health and appearance. Pups are sold with vet check, shots up to date, and are on a deworming program. Text xxx xxx-xxx9 Lovely Boxer puppies for sale at affordable price. All of my puppies are Registered and they are current on shots and have been declawed. They are ready now to join your home and will make great addition in your family. Serious buyers should only Text ME at xxx xxx-xxx9. Free Shipping is Included. They will serves as perfect guide doggies in your home and will easily get along to their new environment. They are upto dates on their shots and vaccines, and each doggy will be coming along with a health guarantee. Serious buyers should only Text ME at xxx xxx-xxx7. Text xxx xxx-xxx7 Beautiful Certified Boxer Puppies up for sale. Litter of 4 puppies. They all well socialized from birth. I own both parents and you can come see them whenever you want. Pick out your new pups before it's to late!! Our puppies are available now at an affordable offer. Shipping is Available for free to first 2 buyers. Please Interested persons should Text xxx xxx-xxx7 for more details. View Detail wonderful boxer puppies for.She is AKC and pedigree is included. We are thrilled with the quality and health of her first litter. She is so gentle and a wonderful. Call or text at xxx xxx-xxx2. View Detail Red and White Boxer Puppies Top quality litter of red and white Boxer puppies, these pups have been raised properly in a family environment around household noises and children. I have 2 boys, 2 girls in litter, they have been wormed up to date, been to the vet for health check and 1st vaccination. Pups kc registered, vet certificate, also a3 generation pedigree paper. Mother is our stunning red and white bitch which can be seen with pups on viewing. Puppies ready to go now, will have 4 weeks free insurance. Delivery can be arranged, phone for further details. This pups and dogs are raise in my home with other boxers Txt only via xxxxxxxxxx View Detail Amazing Boxer puppies need good homes Our litter of adorable and trained puppy are seeking for a home with much love. THey are very easy going, have a good temperament and waiting to be spoiled with love by your family. They are 10 weeks old now and ready enough to go to a new home. View Detail Adorable Boxer Puppies We have quality Boxer puppies available ready to go to their forever homes Our puppies are raised in our home and are well socialized to sights, sounds, and people, especially children! They are handled daily and will make you a wonderful family companion. The sire and dam have great temperaments. For more information and pictures just kindly email xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxx. They have great temperament towards people and gets along with big dogs and pets at home even children, They are registered. Contact me for more information. They are loving generation of large boxeri puppies. Men and women are available. They are so playful and friendly. It reveals that they chose the Boxer as the King of Hearts. We don't know whether this choice was intentional to reflect the big heart of this Breed, but it is certainly apropos. The Boxer has a great heart. He loves to play and loves to socialize, with both people and other dogs. His character and temperament make him the perfect companion both for adults and children. The American Boxer Club provides a short introduction to the breed. Boxers are known as a breed that's " forever young ". About Boxers Mission The Boxer Club of Hawaii strives to promote the breeding of quality Boxers, to protect all interests of the breed, to maintain the standard of the Boxer in Hawaii, and to encourage true sportsmanship among Boxer owners. Although we are no longer an "official" club, we remain a hui of committed Boxer lovers. Looking for a Boxer? The Boxer Club of Hawaii does not recommend or endorse specific breeders. You can monitor the Facebook page. It may occasionally have announcements of litters and rehoming opportunities. External Links.